David Wright is officially a part of forever, as the Mets unveiled the beloved third baseman's No. 5 into the rafters on Saturday afternoon at Citi Field.
He became the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired, and also joined legendary pitcher Tom Seaver as the only members to be enshrined into the team's Hall of Fame on the same day.
"Whether or not I earned this love, this respect, can probably be debated," Wright humbly said at the podium before a sold-out crowd. "I never accomplished my goal of bringing a World Series back to Queens, but I promise you I gave it everything I had and wanted it just as badly as you did.
"I think this fanbase recognized that, and was willing to genuinely have my back and support — support me unconditionally through the good and the bad. And for that, I'll always be thankful… Thank you so much for allowing me to live out my dream in front of you each night. I love you so much. Let's go Mets."
"Whether or not I earned this love, this respect, can probably be debated. I never accomplished my goal of bringing a World Series back to Queens, but I promise you I gave it everything I had and wanted it just as badly as you did. I think this fanbase recognized that, and was willing to genuinely have my back and support — support me unconditionally through the good and bad. And for that, I'll always be thankful."
A first-round pick in 2001 who blossomed into a seven-time All-Star at the hot corner, Wright wrapped up his 14-year career as the Mets' all-time leader in hits (1,777), doubles (390), RBI (970), and runs scored (949). He also ranks second in games played (1,585) and third in home runs (242).
Wright became the Mets' fourth captain in 2013, joining team greats Keith Hernandez (1987-89), Gary Carter (1988-89), and John Franco (2001-04). While his career was cut short due to serious neck, back, and shoulder injuries, he hung up his cleats in 2018 with a laudable .296 average.
"We have truly formed something extraordinary in this game," Wright said. "An 18-year-old kid from Virgnia, having the privilege of being a lifelong Met and developing an unbreakable bond with the best fanbase in baseball."
Here are highlights from the pregame celebrations and festivities…
Congratulations to David Wright on having his number 5 retired by the Mets! 👏
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/lRPcP9um1S
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
David Wright walks out to third base for his number retirement ceremony
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/weuJgrvp2Z
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 19, 2025
The Mets have gifted David Wright a mosaic No. 5 with his former teammates, managers, and other special people who helped him get to this point
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/3G1cZIp4gf
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
"DA-VID WRIGHT! DA-VID WRIGHT!"
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/b9J72kiPaO
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
David Wright caught up with @SteveGelbs ahead of his number retirement ceremony at Citi Field:
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/VpD4ikw7R6
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
He didn't ask for the torch. He earned it. pic.twitter.com/vcPc3cBUG1
— New York Mets (@Mets) July 19, 2025
"I never accomplished my goal of bringing a World Series back to Queens, but I promise you I gave it everything I had and wanted it just as badly as you did."
– David Wright
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/Lp4gJ1w9jt
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
David Wright looks back at his final game:
"That night I fully realized the extent of the relationship I had developed with the city of New York and in particular, this Mets fanbase."
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/PC3rkqPZsc
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
David Wright closes his number retirement speech:
"Thank you so much for allowing me to live out my dream in front of you each night. I love you so much and Let's Go Mets!"
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/IMwOSuXB75
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
"I've known David since 2001, he's like my brother. To be here and this team do that for him, that's unbelievable" @SteveGelbs talks with @lamelaza_7 following David Wright's jersey retirement ceremony:
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/82mLEZnIgu
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
"He never wavers. He's always the same guy."
Cliff Floyd catches up with @SteveGelbs after David Wright's number retirement ceremony:
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/rxIHFuQmBu
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
"Everybody wanted to follow what he was doing."
David Wright's longtime friend and former Met Michael Cuddyer catches up with @SteveGelbs after Wright's number retirement:
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/IFu3a50WSA
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
David Wright and his kids throw out the first pitch at Citi Field 🫶
➡️ Tri-State @Cadillacpic.twitter.com/mPtCOklgJm
— SNY (@SNYtv) July 19, 2025
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