David Wright: Looking Back At His Legacy & His Impact on the Hobby
On July 19, 2025, Citi Field will host a night Mets fans will never forget: the retirement of David Wright’s iconic Number 5. This celebration will solidify Wright’s place among franchise legends, such Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, Doc Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, Willie Mays and Keith Hernandez.
Although the honor is fitting for a player whose heart, grit, and loyalty defined an era of New York Mets baseball and made him a beloved figure in Queen, David Wright’s legacy extends far beyond his on-field accomplishments. His presence as a captain, a teammate, and even a key figure in the sports card hobby has left an indelible mark on America’s pastime.
David Wright debuted with the Mets in 2004 and quickly became the cornerstone of the franchise. Over his 14-year career, Wright amassed a .296 batting average, 242 home runs, 970 RBIs, and 1,777 hits, while earning Seven (7) All-Star selections, Two (2) Gold Gloves, and Two (2) Silver Slugger Awards.
Wright’s all-around excellence was unmatched during his prime years. He could crush a fastball to the left-field seats, steal a base with surprising speed, and dazzle fans with barehanded plays at third base. Yet, his impact transcended statistics. Wright epitomized leadership, always handling the highs and lows of playing in New York with grace.
His resilience was tested time and again, particularly during the later stages of his career when spinal stenosis threatened to end it prematurely. Despite the physical toll, Wright’s determination to return culminated in one final appearance on September 29, 2018, when he walked off the field to a standing ovation that still echoes in the hearts of fans.
Wright wasn’t just a great player—he was the face of the franchise and, for many years, its heart and soul. Named the fourth captain in Mets history in 2013, Wright joined an elite group and embraced the role with humility and pride. He became a beacon of hope for fans during the challenging years between postseason runs. When the Mets finally returned to prominence with a World Series appearance in 2015, Wright’s two-run home run in Game 3 at Citi Field remains one of the defining moments of that magical season.
Beyond his contributions on the field, Wright’s commitment to the community cemented his status as a New York sports hero. Through his foundation and charity work, he gave back to the city and its fans, embodying what it means to be a true Met.
For sports card collectors, David Wright’s rookie cards are treasured pieces that represent both his career and his impact on the hobby. These two standout rookie cards define his early days:
1. 2002 Bowman Chrome Draft #381: This is the crown jewel of David Wright’s rookie cards. Featuring a clean design and his Minor League uniform, this card is highly sought after, especially in high-grade conditions. Collectors prize the refractor variations for their scarcity and aesthetic appeal.
2. 2001 Upper Deck Prospect Premieres #52: Wright’s earliest card predates his Major League debut, capturing his potential as a top prospect. Its understated design belies its importance in the eyes of serious collectors.
David Wright’s career coincided with a renaissance in the sports card hobby, and his cards have become must-haves for Mets fans and collectors alike. The rise of advanced grading services like PSA and BGS has made Wright’s rookie cards even more desirable, with pristine copies fetching premium prices.
Additionally, Wright’s autographed cards continue to be a highlight of modern sets, often featuring beautiful designs and limited production runs that appeal to hobby enthusiasts and die-hard Mets fans such as myself. For many collectors, Wright’s cards are more than just investments; they’re a connection to the joy and heartbreak of being a Mets fan. His perseverance and dedication mirror the passion of those who follow the team and chase the dream of adding Wright’s rarest cards to their collections.
Bio: Matt Schilling, a lifelong sportscard collector and a proud graduate of Towson University (Class of 2006) who currently resides in Queens, New York, is one of the newest contributing authors to the Collectibles segment now featured on http://SI.com