The New York Mets paid tribute to former third baseman David Wright last Saturday by inducting him into the team’s Hall of Fame and retiring his No. 5 jersey. Wright, who spent all 14 seasons of his MLB career with the Mets, joins a select group of players in franchise history to receive the honor, according to The Post. The celebration at Citi Field featured Wright’s family, former teammates, and colleagues, commemorating his journey from a first-round draft pick to a beloved Mets icon.
David Wright’s mother, Elisa, said after the ceremony that her son had "never been one to want the spotlight," as per report by The Post. Wearing a blue Mets Hall of Fame jacket and joined by his family, Wright delivered a speech in which he acknowledged not winning a World Series title but highlighted his commitment to the team and its fans. "I never accomplished my goal of bringing a World Series back to Queens," he said, "but I promise you, I gave it everything I had and wanted it just as badly as you did."
Despite Wright's challenges with chronic back, shoulder, and neck issues, including a diagnosis of spinal stenosis that cost him numerous games, his numbers with the Mets remain impressive. Over his career, he batted .301 with 222 homers, 876 RBIs, and an .888 OPS through his first 10 seasons. Earning the respect from the team and fans alike, Wright is now the 35th member of the Mets' Hall of Fame, with a career tally of 1,777 hits and 970 RBIs, reported ABC7 New York.
Wright spoke about the conclusion of his career, acknowledging that most athletes do not experience a perfect ending. "I certainly wouldn’t call mine a storybook ending," he told The Post, "but it’s better than 99 percent of what athletes get — and I’ll forever be grateful for getting that opportunity." During the ceremony, his No. 5 was officially retired and placed alongside the numbers of Mets players such as Tom Seaver and Mike Piazza. The event featured a gold-plated third base and a lap around the field in a golf cart.
