Today, I had the privilege of attending a Zoom media session with David Wright, the face of the New York Mets for over a decade. As expected, David’s humility and class shone through as he discussed his upcoming number retirement and induction into the Mets Hall of Fame. July 19 will mark the day Wright’s No. 5 joins the ranks of Mets legends like Tom Seaver, Keith Hernandez, and Mike Piazza at Citi Field. It was clear: the excitement and gratitude he feels are matched only by the admiration from the fans and organization.
David shared how much the Mets community means to him, describing the honor as something he shares with the fans who supported him every step of the way. If you've ever spoken with David or had the pleasure of covering his career, you know that when he talks about “family” or “honor,” he’s not just using buzzwords. He means it.
Leave it to Jay Horwitz, the Mets' beloved PR maestro and walking encyclopedia, to perfectly encapsulate why David Wright is more than just a baseball player. Jay kicked off the Zoom call with the kind of heartfelt, behind-the-scenes anecdotes that make you appreciate Wright not just as a player, but as a human being.
Jay reminded us that he witnessed every single one of Wright’s 1,777 Major League hits—whether it was live, on TV, or through what I can only assume were telepathic updates from his Mets PR hive mind. He rattled off Wright’s accolades like an auctioneer on speed: seven All-Star appearances, Gold Gloves, Silver Sluggers, and the honorary moniker of "Captain America." But then he pivoted, like a veteran sportswriter (or a guy who’s been Mets PR since Tom Seaver’s heyday), to share the stuff we didn’t know.
Like how Tom Seaver himself "literally adored" Wright. Apparently, Seaver was thrilled when Wright caught his ceremonial first pitch at the 2013 All-Star Game at Citi Field. Think about that for a second: Tom Terrific, the gold standard of Mets greatness, was giddy about tossing a ball to Wright. That’s like Sinatra tipping his fedora to Springsteen—it doesn’t happen unless there’s an extraordinary level of mutual respect.
And then there’s Wright’s philanthropy. Jay painted a picture of a 24-year-old David Wright founding a charity—while most of us at that age were struggling to master instant ramen. Wright’s foundation didn’t just raise money; it raised the bar. From redecorating a room at a Ronald McDonald House for kids battling cancer to raising over a million dollars for a children’s hospital in his hometown of Norfolk (whose name, according to Jay, is “way too long to remember”), Wright has always led with his heart.
But Jay didn’t stop there. He reminded us that Wright’s ego is practically non-existent. Case in point: in 2015, sidelined with spinal stenosis, Wright worried how his teammates would welcome him back. His solution? Show up in Philly with a plate of warm chocolate chip cookies, in full uniform no less. Wright didn’t just break the ice; he melted it—and, apparently, Jay’s willpower, since he confessed to downing four cookies on the spot.
The pièce de résistance, though, is Wright’s current gig: coaching his kids’ soccer and baseball teams. Jay shared a gem of a story about Wright quietly exchanging lineup cards at a youth game, only to be asked by an opposing coach if he had “any involvement in baseball.” Wright’s reply? A humble, “I dabble a little.”
If ever there was a way to sum up David Wright, it’s that line. The guy could light up a scoreboard, a room, or an All-Star Game, yet he’s just as content handing out cookies in a hotel lobby or dodging accolades at a Little League field.
David’s humility runs deep. He mentioned feeling unworthy when he first heard about his number being retired, particularly in comparison to Mets legends. But after receiving a heartfelt text from Keith Hernandez, he was convinced it was real—there was no way Keith would joke about something so important. This recognition is something David doesn’t take lightly.
On the subject of leadership, David described being named Mets captain as the greatest honor he ever received on the field. Leadership, he said, is earned, not assumed. When he was appointed, he insisted on speaking with his teammates first to ensure they saw him in that light. This level of humility and consideration permeated his entire career.
David also reflected on his connection to the Mets, which dates back to his childhood in Norfolk, Virginia, where he spent time at the Mets’ Triple-A affiliate games, collecting autographs. Being drafted by the Mets, the team he grew up admiring, was a surreal moment. It’s this lifelong bond with the team that makes his relationship with the Mets and their fans uniquely special. He described how fans would approach him after tough games, offering words of support, likening it to having 40,000 friends cheering him on each night.
As for the Mets' future, David expressed optimism, especially after the Juan Soto acquisition. He praised ownership’s “win at all costs” mentality and the long-term vision for success. This dedication from the front office signals a commitment not just to one championship, but sustained success for years to come.
David Wright's reflections on his interactions with Tom Seaver reveal a relationship filled with admiration, mentorship, and a touch of regret. Wright spoke warmly of Seaver, sharing how instrumental the Hall of Famer was in his development both on and off the field. Seaver often pulled Wright aside during moments of downtime, engaging him in meaningful conversations that went beyond baseball. He offered guidance on balancing the highs and lows of the game with life off the field, which Wright found invaluable. One of Wright's biggest regrets is never accepting Seaver's invitation to visit his vineyard in Northern California, where Seaver had promised wine, dinner, and hard work. Despite this, Wright treasures the lessons and camaraderie they shared.
When asked about his first meeting with Seaver, Wright admitted to feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness, likening the experience to meeting baseball royalty. The awe extended to other legends like Mike Piazza, underscoring Wright’s deep respect for the game's history and its iconic figures. He reflected on the magnitude of shaking hands with giants of the sport, a humbling experience that left a lasting impression on him as a young player.
When it came to his leadership style, David explained that being captain wasn’t about being the loudest in the room—it was about earning respect through actions and words. He learned early on that when you do speak, you want your words to matter. This understated yet powerful leadership style helped create a strong team bond, and he made a concerted effort to connect with his teammates on a personal level, taking time to learn about their families and interests.
Reflecting on his children’s excitement about his upcoming honor, David shared a humorous story about his daughter considering herself a “pseudo-celebrity” after throwing out the first pitch at his final game. He also reflected on how baseball has taught him patience, especially with his kids. While he’s still working on it, he recognizes the importance of being patient both on and off the field.
Looking ahead, David expressed excitement about the future of the Mets under the current ownership. He’s proud to see the team becoming a true destination for players, and he believes the “win at all costs” mentality is something that will inspire both players and fans alike. For David, knowing that every year brings the potential for a World Series run is an incredible feeling.
When asked about Pete Alonso's free agency, Wright highlighted the pride that comes from playing for the team that drafted and developed you. While he empathizes with players' need to secure their financial futures, he hopes Alonso remembers the unique connection to the Mets and their fanbase. Wright reflected on moments like witnessing Chipper Jones' emotional farewell in Atlanta, emphasizing the lasting impact of loyalty to one team.
As for the moment his number is retired, David admitted that he still hasn’t fully processed it. He joked that he expects to be “punked” by Howie Rose on the big day. But deep down, David knows that this is a culmination of his career—a career defined by humility, leadership, and a deep love for the Mets and their fans.
Though Wright was known as a prankster, he assured fans that his jersey retirement ceremony would be free from antics. He recounted a playful moment involving Jay Horowitz’s binoculars, explaining how he once used eye black to prank Jay during a game. However, he quickly cleaned Jay up before he walked into a press conference, knowing it would have been a disaster if manager Terry Collins saw it. Wright acknowledged that while his pranks were a fun part of his personality, he'd keep things minimal during his retirement festivities.
David Wright reflected on the full-circle moment that occurred during his final game, recalling how a simple game of catch with David Racaniello reminded him of the day he signed his first contract at Shea Stadium. He reminisced about giving a ball to his three brothers as an 18-year-old, asking them to get autographs from stars like Mike Piazza. "Now my number is going to be next to theirs," Wright said, noting how surreal it felt to have his number retired alongside those he admired and emulated on the field.
Wright also shared a defining moment of his career, remembering facing Mariano Rivera during the Subway Series. "That moment... solidified that, hey, this isn’t a fluke," he explained. His success against Rivera gave him the confidence to feel like he truly belonged at the highest level. He also fondly recalled his first encounter with Randy Johnson, where he realized the challenge and thrill of facing top-tier pitchers.
Reflecting on the 2015 season, Wright emphasized the significance of his role in the team's journey to the World Series. "It really, really meant a lot to me," he said, expressing how special it was to be part of that postseason run despite the physical challenges he faced. His World Series jersey and National League Championship ring were among the few pieces of memorabilia he kept, a testament to his pride in the team's accomplishments and the culmination of his career.
In the end, Wright’s journey has been a series of full-circle moments, blending personal milestones with team successes. His number now sits proudly alongside the greats, a fitting tribute to a player who achieved more than he ever dreamed, leaving an indelible mark on the Mets and their fans.
David Wright’s story is one of dedication, hard work, and humility. It’s about a player who gave everything on the field, but also made a difference off it. His legacy, both as a player and as a person, will live on for Mets fans for generations to come.
Here is the full press conference :
As a reminder, tickets for David Wright's jersey retirement ceremony are available at Mets.com/tickets for the event on July 19th. There won't be any pranks this time—just a celebration of a remarkable career. We’ll see you there on July 19th!
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