Mets To Retire Wright's #5 This July

 

David Wright during his final game. @Mets.

The Mets announced on Monday that they will be retiring David Wright's number 5 this summer, in a ceremony on Saturday, July 19 ahead of their 4:10 p.m. game against the Cincinnati Reds.

This is the latest in a string of retired numbers since owner Steve Cohen bought the team four years ago. Recent number retirements include Keith Hernandez's 17 in 2022, and last summer his teammates Darryl Strawberry's 18 and Dwight Gooden's 16.

While that covered the 1986 championship team, and other eras, especially the 1969 Amazin' Mets, and Mike Piazza's 31 for the 2000 National League Pennant winners, Wright will represent the decade in which they had a N.L. East champion in 2006 and, after turmoil caused by the Wilpons being a victim of Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff, rose up to win the pennant in 2015.

Wright will be the eighth Mets player to have his number retired, joining the following in order they were so honored: Tom Seaver's 41, Mike Piazza 31, Jerry Koosman 36, Keith Hernandez 17, Willie Mays 24, Dwight Gooden 16, and Darryl Strawberry 18. Other Mets retired numbers include their first Manager Casey Stengel's 37, Manager of the 1969 champions, Gil Hodges' 14; and Jackie Robinson 42.

In addition, Wright will also be inducted into the Mets Hall of Fame, as he is the franchise leader in his with 1,777, RBI (970), runs (949), doubles (390), extra-base hits (658), and walks (762). He also is second in games played with 1,585 and home runs (242), third in batting average (.296), and fourth in stolen bases with 196 and on-base percentage at .376.

Mets Owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement, "David Wright personified class on and off the field. David is a definition of a Met. He grew up going to Mets Triple-A games in his hometown of Norfolk, VA, and was drafted by the organization in 2001. His spectacular career included seven All-Star Appearances, two Gold Gloves and two Silver Slugger awards before he played an emotional final game in 2018. 

"For a generation of Mets fans, he was their Tom Seaver, so it is a fitting tribute that only David and Tom have gone into the Mets Hall of Fame and had their number retired on the same day. He continues to contribute to the organization today serving as an ambassador. Congratulations on the tremendous honor, David."

Wright said in a statement, "Excited, humbled, and 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 next to some of the best players to ever play the game. A big thank you to Steve and Alex Cohen and the entire Mets organization for this surreal honor. I can't quite put into words the appreciation I have for the city of New York and Mets fans. For 15 years I felt like I had 40,000 friends and family members in the stands each night. It was an honor of a lifetime taking the field as your Captain and I truly feel like this honor is just as much yours as it is mine. Thank you for the continued support and I can't wait to see you on July 19th!"