The New York Mets announced that they will retire David Wright's No. 5 before their game against Cincinnati on July 19. This will mark the 10th number to be retired by the Mets and the sixth since Steve Cohen took ownership of the team in 2021. Wright will also be inducted into the team's Hall of Fame, making him only the second Mets player, alongside Tom Seaver, to receive both honors on the same day.
During his career from 2004 to 2018, Wright, a seven-time All-Star, boasted impressive stats with a .296 batting average, 242 home runs, 970 RBIs, and 196 stolen bases. Unfortunately, his playing days were cut short due to neck, back, and shoulder injuries that required surgery. In 2013, Wright became the Mets' fourth captain, following in the footsteps of Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco.
The Mets owners, Steve and Alex Cohen, praised Wright for his exemplary conduct both on and off the field, describing him as the epitome of a true Met. Wright, who will turn 42 on December 20, has left a lasting legacy with the team and its fans.
Prior to Wright, the Mets had retired the numbers of several other legends, including Gil Hodges (No. 14), Dwight Gooden (No. 16), Keith Hernandez (No. 17), Darryl Strawberry (No. 18), Willie Mays (No. 24), Mike Piazza (No. 31), Jerry Koosman (No. 36), Casey Stengel (No. 37), and Tom Seaver (No. 41). Additionally, Jackie Robinson's No. 42 was retired across all of Major League Baseball in 1997.
This upcoming ceremony to honor David Wright is a testament to his impact on the Mets organization and the sport of baseball as a whole. Fans and players alike will come together to celebrate the career of a true Mets icon.
