It is the seventh inning of Game-6 in the 2020 World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Tampa Bay Rays, and the championship is just in reach for the Boys in Blue. With the elation of the win almost at hand, and Dodger fans everywhere holding their collective breaths, third baseman Justin Turner was pulled from the game after a delayed positive COVID-19 test result was brought to light.

It was a bittersweet moment not only for Turner himself but also for fans who were well aware of the number of current players who were about to enter into free agency. These might very well be the final innings with the team still intact.

The team went on to win the Fall Classic for the first time in 32 years, and most of the celebration took place without Turner present. He later went out to join the team due to a misunderstanding and because everyone who had been in a “bubble” environment throughout the postseason had also been in the dugout with him to that point. Not being able to celebrate during the initial moments of the win foreshadowed for fans what it would be like if Turner was no longer with the team.

Enter the winter break, and much like the infamous Friends reference, it felt like fans too “were on a break” when it came to one of their beloved players. By entering into free agency, Turner’s future status with the team was up in the air. Fans obviously wanted the heavy hitter to re-sign with the team; however, due to a difference in contract expectations, negotiations appeared to stall out longer than most of the fan base were comfortable with. The third baseman wanted a four-year agreement; the offer being floated was for around two years.

Fans began to worry that the Front Office was selling off key pieces of the World Series-winning team to offset the acquisition of 2020 Cy Young award winner, pitcher Trevor Bauer. Amidst the anxiety of awaiting Turner’s outcome, other players were either taking offers from other teams or were traded.

Utility infielder/outfielder Kiké Hernández went to the Boston Red Sox. Left fielder Joc Pederson accepted an offer from the Chicago Cubs. Left-handed pitcher Adam Kolarek and minor league outfielder Cody Thomas were traded to the Oakland A’s. Left-handed pitchers Alex Wood and Jake McGee signed with the San Francisco Giants. Right-handed pitcher Dylan Floro was traded to the Miami Marlins. Heartbreak personified with the departure of so many players who had contributed over the years.

Much like a relationship on the outs, all fans could do was wait … and hope; hope that Turner, the unofficial captain of the team, would be able to work out a deal to stay in LA.

As a native of Southern California, Turner grew up a Dodgers fan. He was later able to realize his dream when he joined the team in 2014 and finally got to wear the jersey of his childhood dreams. In his time with the Dodgers, he has also had a huge impact on the community with the Justin Turner Foundation, whose mission is to help “support homeless veterans, children (and their families) battling life-altering illnesses and diseases and various youth baseball organizations.”

Saturday evening, on the eve of Valentine’s Day, loyal Dodger lovers were pleasantly surprised when Turner tweeted on social media that he would be back in Los Angeles in 2021. It has been reported that they have agreed on a two-year deal for $34M, with a club option for a third season – including an $8M signing bonus. More importantly, the love affair between fans and their third baseman could indeed continue.

Although many people see Valentine’s Day as a manufactured holiday and not everyone gets caught up in the romance of it all, one cannot help but get pulled into the excitement of being reunited with a beloved player.

Turner has made an imprint on the hearts of Dodgers fans, and so many memories have been made over the years. Now they have renewed hope and time to make so many more.

Happy Valentine’s Day! … For love of the game.

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