Rise to Success: Career Highlights of David Wright

How David Wright built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

David Wright is a retired American professional baseball third baseman, renowned for his 14-year career with the New York Mets. Drafted in 2001, he debuted in MLB on July 21, 2004. Wright also represented the United States in international competitions. Notably, his performance in the 2013 World Baseball Classic, where he led with 10 RBI and a .438 batting average, earned him the nickname "Captain America" and a spot on the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: First Playoff Berth Since 2000

In 2006, the New York Mets clinched the NL East title and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2000.

2001: Drafted by the Mets

In 2001, David Wright was chosen by the New York Mets in the MLB draft.

2001: Selected in the MLB Draft

In 2001, David Wright was selected by the New York Mets in the MLB draft during the supplemental round.

July 21, 2004: MLB Debut

On July 21, 2004, David Wright made his Major League Baseball debut for the New York Mets at Shea Stadium.

2004: Rise to the Major Leagues

In 2004, David Wright quickly rose from the Double-A Binghamton Mets to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides and then to the major leagues.

December 16, 2005: First Annual Gala for the David Wright Foundation

On December 16, 2005, The David Wright Foundation hosted its first annual gala at the New York Stock Exchange Members' Club, donating the proceeds to multiple sclerosis centers.

August 6, 2006: Contract Extension with the Mets

On August 6, 2006, David Wright signed a 6-year, $55 million contract extension with the Mets, including a $1.5 million signing bonus.

2006: MLB Japan All-Star Series

After the 2006 season, David Wright participated in the MLB Japan All-Star Series along with teammates José Reyes, Julio Franco, and John Maine.

2006: All-Star Game Selection and Home Run Derby

In 2006, David Wright was voted into his first MLB All-Star Game as the starting third baseman for the NL. He also participated in the 2006 Home Run Derby, finishing second to Ryan Howard. He hit a home run in his first All-Star Game at-bat.

2006: Mets Clinch NL East Title

In 2006, the New York Mets clinched the NL East title and returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2000. David Wright finished the season batting .311 with 26 home runs and 116 RBIs.

2006: 2006 WBC

In the 2006 WBC, the third base position was taken by Alex Rodriguez.

March 2009: World Baseball Classic

In March 2009, David Wright was announced as a member of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).

2009: World Baseball Classic Walk-Off Hit

During the 2009 World Baseball Classic, David Wright delivered a 9th inning walk-off hit against Fernando Cabrera to win the game for the United States against Puerto Rico, securing a spot in the semifinal round.

2009: Delta Air Lines Foundation Competition

During the 2009 season, David Wright and Derek Jeter represented their foundations in a competition sponsored by Delta Air Lines. Wright's foundation received $50,000.

2009: Spring Training Preparation

In 2009, David Wright, along with José Reyes, arrived at the Mets' spring training camp in Port St. Lucie, Florida two weeks early to get a head start on preparing themselves after a disappointing 2009 campaign.

April 5, 2011: Game-Winning RBI Record

On April 5, 2011, David Wright surpassed Mike Piazza for the most game-winning RBIs in Mets history, achieving his 90th career game-winning RBI with a single against Cole Hamels of the Phillies.

November 30, 2012: Agreed to Contract Extension with Mets

On November 30, 2012, it was reported that David Wright and the Mets agreed to a seven-year, $138 million contract extension.

March 21, 2013: Named Mets Team Captain

On March 21, 2013, David Wright was named the fourth team captain in Mets history, joining Keith Hernandez, Gary Carter, and John Franco.

2013: World Baseball Classic

In 2013, David Wright played in the World Baseball Classic where he led the tournament with 10 RBI and a .438 batting average and was named to the All-World Baseball Classic Team.

2013: Named Captain of the Mets

In 2013, David Wright was named captain of the New York Mets, becoming the fourth captain in the team's history.

2013: Home Run Derby Team Captain

In 2013, David Wright was named the National League's Home Run Derby team captain for the MLB All-Star Game. He participated in the Derby and hit five home runs but did not advance.

2013: Disabled List and Home Run Milestone

In 2013, David Wright was placed on the 15-day disabled list due to a strained right hamstring. Upon his return, he hit two home runs, surpassing Mike Piazza for the second-most home runs in a Mets uniform.

2013: World Baseball Classic Grand Slam and All-WBC Team Selection

In the 2013 World Baseball Classic, David Wright hit a grand slam against Italy and ended the tournament with the most RBIs, earning the nickname "Captain America." He was selected as the third baseman for the All-WBC team.

2013: Named All-Star Starter

On July 6, 2013, David Wright was named the starting third baseman for the National League team in the 2013 MLB All-Star Game. He went 1-for-3 in the game, marking his seventh All-Star appearance.

2014: All-Star Voting Runner-Up

In 2014, David Wright finished second in All-Star voting for third base, marking only the third time in 10 seasons he had been left out of the All-Star Game.

2015: Big League Impact Host

In 2015, David Wright was the New York City host for Big League Impact, an eight-city fantasy football network. The organization raised over $1 million for various charities.

May 21, 2016: Game-Winning Single

On May 21, 2016, David Wright hit a bases-loaded single off of Michael Blazek to break a tie in the bottom of the 9th inning, leading the Mets to a 5-4 victory over the Milwaukee Brewers.

2018: Final Season Announced

In 2018, David Wright announced it would be his final season as an active player due to his spinal stenosis not improving. After playing, Wright was named special advisor in the Mets front office.

July 19, 2025: Mets Retired Wright's Number

On July 19, 2025, the Mets retired David Wright's number 5.

2025: Contract Deferments Paid Out

David Wright's contract included deferments that would be paid out through 2025. The Mets also obtained injury insurance on the contract, allowing them to recoup 75 percent of his salary if he missed more than 60 days due to injury.