Ever since his first day in the big leagues, David Wright embodied the qualities that make a team captain. Eight full seasons into his career, the Mets made it official. And in many ways, he’s kept it ever since.
Wright became the fourth player in franchise history to have the honor, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco and it was the first time anyone held the title since Franco left the team in 2004.
“This is probably one of the proudest days of my career so far,” Wright said at a press conference announcing the news. “I’m honored and very proud to be on that short list of guys that have been considered captain of this franchise. For me, it’s a dream come true, to say the least.”
A leader by example, Wright exemplified professional success and personal character which earned respect from those in the clubhouse and throughout the league.
Wright had recently proven his leadership extended beyond his major league team. He helped carry USA in the 2013 World Baseball Classic with several clutch hits — earning a “Captain America” moniker. He also showed a commitment to the Mets organization by signing an eight-year, $138 million contract in the off-season at a time when many questioned the outlook of the franchise.
The 30-year-old third baseman was still among the best at his position. With six All-Star selections, two Gold Gloves, and two Silver Sluggers, Wright had made several marks in the Mets’ record books. Even when they moved to the canyon-sized dimensions of Citi Field, which severely hampered his power numbers, Wright stayed a consistent hitter — eclipsing a .300 batting average for the sixth time and becoming the club’s all-time hit leader in 2012.
Hernandez, a driving force for the Mets resurgence in the 1980s, was the first to earn captaincy in 1987 — even sporting the ‘C’ on the uniform. He shared the title with Carter a year later and the veterans were co-captains through 1989.
It was Franco’s turn in 2001, a rare honor for a reliever but a deserving one for a respected veteran. A Met since 1990, the native New Yorker became the all-time saves leader among left-handers. When Mike Piazza joined the club in 1998, Franco unselfishly relinquished his No. 31 to the power-hitting catcher.
Wright carried the captain label proudly. Although it would show his healthiest days were behind him, he continued to be the Mets’ ideal representative even when injuries prevented him from being on the field — or even in the dugout. He was named a starter for the All-Star Game at Citi Field in 2013 and slashed .307/.390/.514 with 18 home runs and 58 RBI in 112 games played. During a 14-year career, Wright tallied 242 home runs, 970 RBIs, and produced 133 OPS+. His 49.2 bWAR is the highest among all position players in Mets history and is second only to Tom Seaver.
There’s a chance a current Met will one day become the fifth captain — whether it be Pete Alonso, Jacob deGrom, or someone else — but it’s hard to envision anyone being more suited for it than David Wright.
