David Wright, one of the New York Mets’ most iconic players, is set to receive a long-overdue tribute. On Friday, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo reported that the Mets will retire Wright’s No. 5
and induct him into the team’s Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at Citi Field on July 19, prior to their 4:10 p.m. ET game against the Cincinnati Reds.
Wright, who will turn 42 next week, spent his entire 14-year Major League career with the Mets before retiring in 2018. A seven-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Wright holds
several franchise records, including most hits (1,777), doubles (390), walks (762), RBIs (970), and runs scored (949).
Widely regarded as one of the most beloved athletes in New York sports history, Wright also gained national recognition during the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Playing for Team USA, he
earned the moniker “Captain America” after leading the tournament with 10 RBIs and a .438 batting average. Later that same year, Wright was named the fourth captain in Mets history.
Despite a series of injuries that limited him to just 75 games from 2015 to 2017, Wright played a key role in the Mets’ 2015 World Series run. In Game 3, he delivered a two-run home run
against Kansas City Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura, helping the Mets secure their lone victory in the series.
Wright announced his retirement after learning that his spinal stenosis would not improve, playing his final two emotional games in
September 2018 at a sold-out Citi Field. At the time of his retirement, he had amassed 242 home runs, ranking second on the Mets’ all-time
list behind Darryl Strawberry, and a 49.2 WAR despite his injury setbacks. Since then, no Mets player has worn No. 5.
Wright will become the 35th member of the Mets Hall of Fame and is also in his second year on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot. He
received 6.2% of the vote last year, ensuring he remains in the running for a future Cooperstown induction.
The upcoming ceremony will make Wright the 10th player in Mets history to have his number retired and only the second, following Tom Seaver, to be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on the same day. Wright’s No. 5 will join the honored numbers of Mets legends such as Casey Stengel, Gil Hodges, Seaver, Mike Piazza, Jerry Koosman, Keith Hernandez, Willie Mays, Dwight Gooden, and Darryl Strawberry, all of whom are celebrated at Citi Field. In addition, the Mets honor Jackie Robinson’s No. 42 and the contributions of founder Bill Shea and legendary broadcasters Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy.I’m