LOS ANGELES — Justin Turner returned to Dodger Stadium on Monday night for the first time since leaving the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2022 after a nine-year run that included a World Series championship as their gritty third baseman.
“It was one of the best things that ever happened to my career, getting a chance to put on this uniform that so many great players have worn throughout the years and be on some teams that have done some historic things,” Turner said before the game. “It’s really something that I feel honored to be a part of.”
He’s now 39 years old and playing first base for the Seattle Mariners, who opened a three-game series against the NL West leaders.
His wife, Kourtney, and red-haired son Bo, born on July 4, joined him behind home plate for a pregame ceremony. They watched video of his career highlights as a Dodger before the team presented Turner with a $10,000 check for his foundation as well as three framed photos of him in action.
With Turner’s walk-up music “Turn Down for What” blaring, he shared hugs with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Joe Kelly, among others.
“What’s up, LA?” Turner said as the crowd stood and applauded. “I just want to say from the bottom of my heart thank you guys so much for nine of the most incredible years of my life. You guys made this one of the most special times and I can’t say thank you enough.”
Turner and his wife, married in 2017 by former Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser, were high-profile civic contributors in Los Angeles, using their foundation to help homeless veterans, sick children, and youth baseball organizations.
