History of David Wright in Timeline
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.
December 20, 1982: David Wright's Birth
On December 20, 1982, David Allen Wright was born. He would later become a professional baseball third baseman.
2000: Mike Piazza's Record Broken
During the 2006 season, David Wright collected 74 RBIs before the All-Star break, breaking the Mets record previously held by Mike Piazza, who had 72 RBIs in 2000.
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.
2003: Sterling Award
In 2003, David Wright won the Sterling award for best player on the class A St. Lucie Mets.
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.
August 9, 2005: Barehanded Catch
On August 9, 2005, David Wright made an over-the-shoulder barehanded catch during a game at Petco Park against the San Diego Padres. This play was voted the "This Year in Baseball Play of the Year."
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.
2005: Impressive Season
In 2005, David Wright played in 160 games and batted .306 with 27 home runs, 102 RBIs, 99 runs scored, 42 doubles, and 17 stolen bases, leading the team in several categories. However, he tied for the most errors by a third baseman in the major leagues with 24.
July 12, 2006: Sports Illustrated Cover and Late Show Appearance
On July 12, 2006, David Wright appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with Mets teammates and also made an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman.
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: End of 2006 Hitting Streak
As of April 21, 2007, David Wright had a hitting streak of 26 regular-season games; the previous team record was 24, held by Mike Piazza and Hubie Brooks. He had a hit in the 12 final regular-season games of the 2006 season, and had a hit in all of the first 14 games of the 2007 season.
2006: MVP Candidate
For the 2006 Mets season, David Wright ranked among the club's top three hitters in all offensive categories. His teammate Tom Glavine considered Wright as a candidate for the MVP talks.
2006: National League Co-Player of the Week
In 2006, David Wright was named National League Co-Player of the Week for June 12–18 along with teammate José Reyes.
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.
2006: Game-Winning Hits
Throughout the 2006 season, David Wright provided several game-winning hits, including a double against the Atlanta Braves on May 5, a single against the Yankees on May 19, and a single against the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 29.
April 21, 2007: Hitting Streak Ends
On April 21, 2007, David Wright's hitting streak of 26 regular-season games ended against the Atlanta Braves at Shea Stadium.
September 16, 2007: Joins 30-30 Club
On September 16, 2007, David Wright became the 29th player in baseball history to join the 30–30 club, after hitting a 7th inning solo home run against the Philadelphia Phillies.
2007: Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award
David Wright finished the 2007 season with a .325 batting average, 30 home runs, 107 RBI, and 34 stolen bases. He was awarded the 2007 Gold Glove and the Silver Slugger Award at third base. Wright also was fourth in the NL MVP voting receiving 182 votes.
2007: Contract Payment in 2007
In 2007, David Wright's contract paid him $1 million.
January 3, 2008: Appearance on The Celebrity Apprentice
On January 3, 2008, David Wright appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice to purchase hot dogs for charity.
April 13, 2008: 100th Career Home Run
On April 13, 2008, David Wright hit his 100th career home run, a solo shot off of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jeff Suppan.
2008: Decline in Production After Potent Campaign
David Wright experienced a decline in production after a potent campaign in 2008. His home run total dropped to 10, while his RBI total fell to 72, after hitting 33 home runs and 124 RBIs the previous season.
2008: Finished Seventh in MVP Voting
David Wright finished seventh in the voting for the 2008 NL MVP award after finishing the season with a .302 batting average, 33 home runs and 124 RBI.
2008: Contract Payment in 2008
In 2008, David Wright's contract paid him $5 million.
March 2009: World Baseball Classic
In March 2009, David Wright was announced as a member of Team USA in the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
April 13, 2009: First Home Run in Citi Field History
On April 13, 2009, David Wright hit the first Mets home run in Citi Field history on Opening Day, a three-run homer off San Diego Padres pitcher Walter Silva.
2009: Doubled Home Run Total From 2009
As of August 20, 2010, David Wright has more than doubled his home run total from 2009.
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: Contract Payment in 2009
In 2009, David Wright's contract paid him $7.5 million.
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.
June 2010: National League Player of the Month
In June 2010, David Wright was named the National League Player of the Month after he hit .404 with 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 29 RBIs.
2010: Finished the 2010 Season
David Wright finished the 2010 season with a .283 batting average, .354 on-base percentage, 29 home runs, 103 RBIs, 69 walks, and 19 stolen bases.
2010: Contract Payment in 2010
In 2010, David Wright's contract paid him $10 million.
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.
2011: Injury Shortened Season
David Wright's .269 batting average in 2014 marked his lowest since the 2011 season, which was shortened due to injury.
2011: Contract Payment in 2011
In 2011, David Wright's contract paid him $14 million.
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.
2012: Finished 6th in NL MVP Voting
In 2012, David Wright finished 6th in the voting for the National League MVP Award.
2012: Contract Payment in 2012
In 2012, David Wright's contract paid him $15 million.
January 2013: Engagement Announcement
In January 2013, David Wright announced his engagement to model Molly Beers after dating for several years.
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.
December 26, 2013: Marriage to Molly Beers
On December 26, 2013, David Wright married Molly Beers in La Jolla, California.
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: Contract Option in 2013
In 2013, David Wright's contract contained a club option worth $16 million.
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.
February 2014: "Face of MLB" Winner
In February 2014, David Wright was chosen as the "Face of MLB" in an online contest, narrowly defeating Eric Sogard.
2014: Declined Performance and Shoulder Injury
David Wright's performance declined in 2014 with a .269 batting average, attributed to a recurring shoulder injury. He sustained a left rotator cuff contusion, affecting his offensive and defensive play.
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.
April 14, 2015: Hamstring Strain and Spinal Stenosis Diagnosis
On April 14, 2015, David Wright suffered a strained right hamstring while stealing second base and was placed on the disabled list. He was later diagnosed with spinal stenosis, expecting to return near the season's end.
2015: Injuries Plagued Wright
From 2015, David Wright was significantly impacted by injuries, including spinal stenosis and additional neck and shoulder ailments.
2015: Return from Injury, World Series Appearance
In 2015, David Wright returned from injury and helped propel the Mets to the World Series against the Kansas City Royals. He hit a home run in Game 3, contributing to their only win of the series, but played in only 38 games with a slash line of .289/.379/.434.
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.
February 28, 2017: Shoulder Impingement Diagnosis
On February 28, 2017, David Wright was diagnosed with a right shoulder impingement after rehabbing from neck surgery, jeopardizing his ability to play on Opening Day.
March 13, 2018: Setbacks Due to Injuries
On March 13, 2018, David Wright experienced further setbacks due to lingering back and shoulder injuries, leading to a complete shutdown from baseball activities.
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.
October 13, 2020: Publication of Memoir "The Captain"
On October 13, 2020, David Wright's memoir, "The Captain", co-written with Anthony DiComo, was published by Dutton-Penguin Books.
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.
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