“I reached my ceiling,” David Wright talks about his FORCED retirement and entering Mets Hall of Fame in 2025

Ex-MLBer David Wright talks about loyalty in the game and how he proudly looks back to his career as a Mets player.

“I reached my ceiling,” David Wright talks about his FORCED retirement and entering Mets Hall of Fame in 2025

David Wright [Image Credit: NY Times]

Former New York Mets baseman David Wright spoke on Wednesday about what it was like to be a one-team player throughout his MLB journey. Wright played his entire career with the Mets for 14 years after being drafted by the team in 2001. 

He debuted in the major league in 2004 and retired in 2018. However, it was a forced retirement as injury and health took a toll on the Mets ex-captain. On Monday it was announced that the team will retire his No.5 jersey and he’ll be inducted into the Hall of Fame at Citi Field.

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Soon after the NY Mets announced their decision for induction and jersey retirement, team legend Keith Hernandez texted Wright to congratulate him. However, the former captain could not believe it and thought it was a prank.

David Wright recalls immediately reaching out to team historian Jay Horwitz to confirm and news and was mind-blown. He said he didn’t think he was worth it and feels honored for the team to do so.

I truly feel it’s a bit undeserved given the skill and accomplishments of some of the numbers that I’ll be amongst up there. I joke that there should be a special section for my number because it’s probably not deserving amongst the really good players in the organization. I’m incredibly grateful for the honor. I don’t take it lightly. I’m humbled.

David Wright as per Bill Ladson of MLB.com.

Jay Horwitz also congratulated him on his accomplishments, recalling how thorough he was with everything and how much he loved playing for the Mets and the city. “He is one of a kind,” Horwitz said.

Unfortunately, his time with the Mets got shortened as he was forced to end his career due to several back, shoulder, and neck injuries. He was named the fourth captain in team history and will be the 10th to have his number retired by the team.

David Wright talks about loyalty in MLB and why it’s important

David Wright further delved deeper into the game history, talking about loyalty to the team and vice versa is so important. He feels there’s a different sense of honor and respect to retire with the team one has played with in his entire career. 

David Wright
David Wright [Image Credit: North Jersey]

While he respects players who choose a different team due to different reasons and difficulties, Wright hopes more players stick with one team. He feels this is something that not only the players but the teams should also take note of.

I wish there was more loyalty. And when I say loyalty, it goes both ways…I think the game could use more of that. With that being said, it’s not just on the players to be loyal. It’s on the teams to be loyal.

David Wright as per Dan Martin of NY Post.com.

He said he’s excited for 2025 following the team’s signing of Juan Soto. Wright also wishes Pete Alonso to stay with the team and continue being one of the faces of the organization. He believes with the current front office and players the New York Mets can reach the World Series again.