David Wright, the longtime third baseman for the New York Mets, will have his No. 5 jersey retired and will be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame on July 19, 2025. The ceremony will take place at Citi Field before a game against the Cincinnati Reds, recognizing Wright’s immense contributions to the franchise throughout his career. Drafted in 2001 as the 38th overall pick, Wright spent his entire 14-year professional career with the Mets, becoming one of the most celebrated players in the team’s history.
Wright’s career statistics reflect his impact on the game, as he posted a career batting line of .296/.376/.491 with 242 home runs, 390 doubles, 196 stolen bases, and 1,777 hits. Over his tenure, he earned seven All-Star selections, two Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Sluggers, and achieved four top-10 finishes in the National League MVP voting. His 49.2 career WAR is the second-highest in Mets franchise history, trailing only Tom Seaver and narrowly ahead of Dwight Gooden, cementing his legacy as one of the team’s all-time greats.
Despite his remarkable career, injuries significantly curtailed Wright’s potential to reach the Baseball Hall of Fame. Chronic back, neck, and shoulder issues limited his playing time in his later years, cutting short a career that might have otherwise achieved even greater heights. Nevertheless, Wright remains the Mets’ franchise leader in multiple categories, including hits, walks, doubles, runs batted in, and runs scored, highlighting his extraordinary contributions even in a shortened career.
With this honor, Wright joins an elite group of 11 individuals whose numbers have been retired by the Mets. This distinguished group includes iconic figures such as Jackie Robinson, Tom Seaver, Darryl Strawberry, and Mike Piazza, as well as other key contributors to Mets history. Additionally, the Mets have retired symbolic numbers to honor individuals like broadcasters Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy, as well as Bill Shea, who played a pivotal role in establishing the team.
David Wright’s upcoming induction and jersey retirement underscores his profound impact on the Mets and the sport as a whole. Known as “Captain America” for his leadership and consistent excellence on the field, Wright remains a beloved figure in the Mets community. The July 2025 ceremony will offer fans an opportunity to celebrate his storied career and his enduring legacy in Mets history.
