The New York Mets announced that they will retire David Wright’s No. 5 jersey and induct him into the Mets Hall of Fame during a pregame ceremony on Saturday, July 19, before their game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field. Wright becomes the eighth player in franchise history to have his number retired. He joins Tom Seaver as the only players inducted into the Hall of Fame and have their number retired on the same day.
“David Wright personified class on and off the field,” said Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen. “For a generation of Mets fans, he was their Tom Seaver. David is the definition of a Met, and this is a fitting tribute to his incredible career and ongoing contributions to the organization.”
Drafted 38th overall by the Mets in 2001, Wright played his entire career with the team, becoming one of the franchise’s most accomplished players. He is the franchise leader in hits (1,777), RBI (970), runs (949), doubles (390), extra-base hits (658), and walks (762). He also ranks second in games played (1,585) and home runs (242).
Wright was a seven-time All-Star, two-time Gold Glove winner, and two-time Silver Slugger recipient. He became the Mets’ fourth captain in 2013 and helped lead the team to the 2015 World Series, where he hit the first World Series home run in Citi Field history.
“Excited, humbled, honored are just some of the words to describe the thought of this summer’s Mets Hall of Fame induction and seeing #5 up at Citi Field,” said Wright. “For 15 years, I felt like I had 40,000 friends and family members in the stands each night. Taking the field as your captain was the honor of a lifetime.”
Wright’s career was also marked by numerous memorable moments. He hit the first home run by a Mets player at Citi Field on April 13, 2009, and delivered in the World Baseball Classic, earning the nickname “Captain America” after a grand slam against Italy in 2013.
Wright’s contributions extended beyond the field, with frequent visits to young patients at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. “We are pleased to help honor David Wright, who has brightened the lives of so many,” said Devika Mathrani, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at NewYork-Presbyterian.
Tickets for the July 19 game and ceremony are available on the Mets’ website. The organization invites fans to celebrate Wright’s enduring legacy, both as a player and as an ambassador for the team.
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