New York Mets: Five best homegrown players since 1980

2. David Wright

With all of the injuries, I choose to think about David Wright in a picture like this one, on the field doing his thing. Spinal stenosis is a cruel mistress, isn’t it?

Wright was drafted in 2001 and made his debut in 2004. He too came up to the big leagues with a lot of excitement. It was going to be Reyes and Wright on the left side of the infield in Queens for years to come, and it was. His debut season was a solid one as Wright posted a .293 batting average, 14 home runs and 40 RBI. He then went on a run that included five straight appearances in the All-Star game. In his career he was selected a total of seven times.

From 2005-2010, Wright dipped below 100 RBI only once. His career batting average is .296, showing he is not just a power hitter. His fielding prowess earned him two Gold Gloves (2007, 2008). Just as important if not more, however, is the quality of David Wright off the field. Have we ever heard his name getting into trouble? Nope. He does the right thing, making him the perfect face of the franchise. In the community, it’s face we see. Out front, it’s David Wright’s face.

No matter how his career ends thanks to the injuries, there is no denying his superlative talent. Wright belongs high on this list both on and off the field. It’s a shame that it’s looking less and less like he will win the championship that he so deserves. We were still lucky to have him on our side as Mets fans.