Cody Bellinger Reveals When He Really Knew His Time With the Dodgers Was Over

It was the end of an era.

Cody Bellinger is back at Dodger Stadium for the first time since last October and emotions are sure to be on edge for the center fielder. Before the game, he met with local reporters from the visitor's dugout sharing his excitement to be back in LA.

Cody Bellinger on his return to Dodger Stadium:

“The fans here showed me nothing but love for seven years, so I’m excited to go out and roam center field.”

— Dodger Insider (@DodgerInsider) April 14, 2023

The Dodgers non-tendered Bellinger last November after a season of struggles at the plate. He didn't want to get too much into the move or his feelings stemming from the breakup. However, he was open to talking about when he knew his time in LA was over.

"I think once I saw the tribute video on social media or whatever it was," Bellinger told reporters, "that's when it was like 'yeah, it's probably done.' I got a little emotional watching that, just all the amazing memories and the cool things that I accomplished and we accomplished as a team."

Here's the video in question.

Thank you, 35. pic.twitter.com/xDBW5SCJY4

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) December 14, 2022

There are a lot of highlights in that video. Home run robberies. Home runs hit. Awards. Hugs. Different hairstyles. And, of course, a World Series championship.

"When I knew I wasn’t coming back it hit me all the things I accomplished here. My younger self would be proud of me.”

Cubs outfielder Cody Bellinger back at Dodger Stadium. Still strange seeing him in another uniform pic.twitter.com/8JY9MOgEhg

— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) April 14, 2023