Frustrated himself, Wright shows leadership.
David Wright has always been the unofficial captain of the Mets. Once they extend his contract – which they should – it would be a good idea to make it official. That’s because just about everything he does shows leadership.
Take last night for example.
It was cold and damp. A good night not to be playing baseball. Still, late in the second game of a doubleheader the Mets were about to be swept in, Wright showed his mettle. Ike Davis just struck out and clearly frustrated, threw his bat in disgust. Umpires hate that stuff, especially from a young player such as Davis who has been known to gripe at pitches. Umpires gossip like teenage girls, and one of the last things a player needs is a reputation for being a hothead.
After the inning Wright was seen talking to the home plate umpire, and according to Keith Hernandez, who knows a thing or two about leadership, was diffusing the situation by explaining Davis was genuinely a good guy and going through a frustrating period.
Perhaps on a future borderline pitch Davis will get a call. You never know.
It was a miserable night and the Mets were about to get swept. Everybody wanted to go home, but Wright, even after his own tough night at the plate, was thinking about his team. That’s what leaders do.
