David Wright, the New York Mets Captain, is known to have a flair for the dramatic. The way he burst back onto the scene in 2016 should have come as no surprise to fans. Wright set the tone for the game, and the remainder of the season, in his Hollywood-esque return.
David Wright Ignites Mets in 2015 Return
The Injury
In late April, Wright was struck with a back injury that flared up while he was rehabbing a hamstring injury. Eventually, he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. Luckily, this was not career-threatening. Wright’s case was acquired lumbar spinal stenosis, brought on by degenerative changes in his spine, as opposed to congenital spinal stenosis, which would have possibly ended his playing career.
Still, The Captain fought an uphill battle. Wright underwent a rehabilitation program in California with Dr. Robert Watkins and his physical therapy staff. While rehabbing, Wright rarely spoke to the media.
Wright did not throw or swing a bat until late July.
From there, he progressed quickly. David began participating in minor league games just two weeks later in Port St. Lucie, Florida. A short time after that, Wright rejoined the big league club.
The Bottom of the 1st
Mets ace Jacob deGrom, who posted a sterling 2015 campaign, had a forgettable first inning on the mound. In the bottom of the opening frame, deGrom surrendered a leadoff walk to Cesar Hernandez, and subsequently allowed a single to Freddy Galvis that paved the way for a three-run blast by Ryan Howard. In the blink of an eye, the Mets were down 3-0. The Captain was set to lead off the second inning.
David Steps to the Plate
David Wright wasted no time in making his presence felt. Wright clobbered the third pitch he saw, a 90 MPH fastball from lefty Adam Morgan, over the left field wall and into the second deck. The home run was projected to have traveled a whopping 417 feet by StatCast.
In typical Wright-fashion, The Captain remained poised. David casually trotted around the bases with his tongue hanging out of his mouth. Meanwhile, the Mets bench was going ballistic. Not a single player in the dugout could hold back a smile. When Wright eventually reached his teammates and was greeted with a round of high fives, he couldn’t help but flash one, either.
The Mets fans who crowded Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia erupted in cheers. Even some Philadelphia Phillies fans rose and applauded their arch rival. As always, David Wright warranted absolute respect.
Naturally, Mets Twitter rushed to show their appreciation for their beloved third baseman.
WELCOME BACK CAPTAIN DAVID WRIGHT BABY FIRST AT BAT IN THE RETURN A HOME RUN …..got the chills
— Lenny Ragaglia (@LennyRagsJr20) August 24, 2015
What a great return for the captain! 1st at bat=home run #davidwright
— Brittany Shaughnessy (@Bshaun42) August 24, 2015
What a way for the captain to return. Home run for David Wright. Absolutely crushed #LetsGoMets #LGM
— TomWiz (@Greenf0x) August 24, 2015
In a storybook season, David Wright could not help but to provide his fair share of magic.
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