With the New York Mets a near-certain lock for the postseason for the first time in almost a decade, the return of David Wright has captured headlines not only in the Big Apple, but across the baseball world – and with good reason.
Since returning from the disabled list with a ‘bang’ by homering at Citizens Bank Park in his first at-bat, Wright has been a major cog in the machine that is the National League East-leading Mets. He entered play Friday batting .289/.379/.434 with a pair of homers and six RBI in 87 plate appearances since making his triumphant return – and he’s a big reason why New York is going to see October baseball this season.
While he’s been a major piece for manager Terry Collins of-late, there was a time when Wright emerged as one of the game’s top talents – racking up 449 runs batted in over the course of four seasons from 2005 to 2008. It was on Sept. 20, 2007 that he made history, knocking in his 100th run of the campaign for the Mets.
What’s so significant about hitting the century mark, you might ask?
At just 24 years of age, on that day, Wright became the first player in New York Mets franchise history to drive in at least 100 runs in three-straight seasons – dating back to the team’s inaugural campaign back in 1962. He would go on to finish 2007 with 107 runs batted in, which ranks as his third-best single-season total to-date.
He took a small step backwards the next season before eclipsing the century mark one last time in 2009. Since then, injuries have become the story of Captain America, leading many in New York to ponder what may have been if he had avoided the disabled list more.
But despite his recurring trips to the bench in recent years, Wright now has a unique opportunity in front of him. Despite the fact that mid-season acquisition Yoenis Cespedes has carried the workload offensively, the Mets’ third baseman is still the face of the franchise.
And with that title comes the heavy expectations of a fan base seeking its first World Series title since 1986. And if David Wright can help lead the New York Mets to the promised land come October, all will be forgiven and he will once again be the face of New York baseball.
Baseball Magazine 