One Last Hurrah for David Wright, Then Retirement

The Mets announced on Thursday that David Wright would be activated for the final homestand of the season, and then he will retire from baseball.

At an emotional news conference at Citi Field, Wright said the way his body reacted to minor league rehab games proved to him once and for all that he is done as a player. Wright would not use the dreaded “retirement” word, but his message was clear.

“Physically, the way I feel right now, and from what the doctors told me, there’s not going to be any improvement,” Wright said. “So I don’t see (playing) as a possibility.”

Speaking through tears, Wright added, “I have a lot of thank yous… Mets ownership and the front office, they’ve certainly treated me like family. To my teammates, coaches and staff. It’s truly been an honor to take the field with you and serve as your captain. Some of my closest friendships are formed in that clubhouse… To the fans, words can’t express my gratitude and appreciation for always having my back.”

Wright will start at third base on Saturday, September 29. It will cap off a great Mets career, but one that sadly ended too soon, with a whimper rather than a bang.