David Wright belonged to the New York Mets, a team that often struggled but pushed to greater heights due to his contributions. He set franchise records for hits, doubles, RBIs, walks, and runs scored. Yet, his career is perhaps best described by the top moments from it.
David Wright made his mark on July 21, 2004, when he had his big league debut in front of 30,227 fans at Shea Stadium. Despite going 0-for-4 that night against the Expos, he doubled off Zach Day the next day for his first career hit. It set the tone for a career filled with significant moments.
A year later, in 2005, Wright made two memorable defensive plays. First, he dove into the stands, leaping off both feet to snare a Raul Ibanez popup in Seattle. Then, in San Diego, he made a barehanded grab to rob Brian Giles of a bloop single, a play that won MLB.com’s 2005 This Year in Baseball Play of the Year Award.
The following year, May 19, 2006, Wright made a significant contribution to the Mets’ ascension when he blasted a Mariano Rivera cutter to the center-field wall to secure a walk-off win in the year’s first Subway Series game. This victory helped the Mets erase their reputation as the crosstown Yankees’ little brothers.
By 2006, Wright had also made his presence felt at the All-Star Games, hitting a home run in only his third season to make the first of his seven All-Star appearances, showcasing his impact and contribution to the league.
In 2009, Wright hit a walk-off, two-run single in the World Baseball Classic, stunning Puerto Rico and advancing Team USA into the semifinals, cementing his legacy as a versatile and impactful player on the field.
At the same time, Wright emerged as the Mets’ all-time hits leader, surpassing Ed Kranepool with his 1,419th career knock. He continued to accumulate hits, extending his record to 1,777 over the next four seasons, asserting his dominance on the team.
In 2013, Wright earned the nickname “Captain America” for his vital contributions in a match against Team Italy during the World Baseball Classic. His performances solidified his position, and soon after, he was named the fourth captain in Mets history, relinquishing the symbolic “C” on his jersey in favor of keeping the emphasis on the team.
Amidst challenging times, Wright made a comeback in the 2015 season after being sidelined due to spinal stenosis, a degenerative back condition. However, he suffered further injuries, including neck, shoulder, and back surgeries, which led him to realize that it was time to end his playing career.
Finally, in September 2018, a grand farewell awaited Wright as the Mets arranged for his return during the season’s final weekend at Citi Field. He pinch-hit in Friday’s game and played five innings at third base the following night, marking the end of an era for David Wright and the New York Mets.
