Will David Wright Signal Five-Time All-Star as the Next Captain?
Tomorrow, July 19th, marks a historic day for the New York Mets. Beloved player, David Wright, will have his number retired during a pre-game induction ceremony. ‘Captain America,’ as the world calls him, will join Mets legends in their very own Hall of Fame and have Number Five retired forever. David Wright’s appearance at the rightfully named David Wright Day has sparked speculation amongst fans and sports media for what it holds in terms of the team’s future. Wright is the last Met to be named captain, and only the fourth captain in the Met’s canon. There’s the idea that there is significance in the fact that this is happening now, when Francisco Lindor has been a top prospect for Mets leadership.
What Makes a Captain
When you grow up watching players like David Wright, a clear dominating force on and off the field, it becomes easy to notice the magnetism that certain players have. In the stadiums, especially Citi Field, the crowd lights up when they hear one song play. That would be ‘My Girl’ by the Temptations. Otherwise known as Francisco Lindor’s walk-up song.
As David Wright himself said, “You can’t call yourself a captain, it’s got to be bestowed upon you by other people.” It’s not just the fans, but your very own teammates and franchise that need to believe in you. In turn, it needs to be obvious to anyone watching that the player believes in the team. In 2021, Francisco Lindor signed a contract with the Mets for 10 years, $341 million deal. Coming off the pandemic, with baseball as one of America’s most adored pastimes, Lindor gave hope to a future. It wasn’t an easy start for him. At the beginning of his time as a Met, he was booed and criticized by the media. Time and time again, he pulled himself out of the external noise and proved to the world why he was the future of the Mets.
During the 2024 season, it was Lindor’s smiling and admirable attitude that led the Mets to a comeback. Once moved to the lead-off spot, it was his momentum that pushed the team past outside expectations and into greatness. In the ninth inning against the Atlanta Braves, it was his homer that brought the Mets into the playoffs. He determined to fight his way back from an injury that rallied the team. It is his positivity and fearlessness that continue to push the Mets forward, no matter the odds stacked against them.
The Future
Lindor is the future of the Mets. His leadership and professionalism are leading players like Juan Soto through their moments of uncertainty. Off and on the field, ‘Mr. Smile brings levity and hope to his teammates and fans alike. If anyone was deserving of the prestigious honor of becoming the 5th captain in Mets history, it would be the person whose presence alone causes the crowd to get up and start singing with wide smiles themselves.
