“Captain America” is now the captain of the New York Mets.
The team announced Thursday that third baseman David Wright is the official on-field leader.
“This is probably one of the proudest days of my career so far,” Wright said. “I’m honored and very proud to be on that short list of guys that have been considered captain of this franchise. For me, it’s a dream come true, to say the least.”
Wright’s strong play during his time with Team USA in the just-concluded World Baseball Classic earned him the nickname “Captain America.” He wound up leaving the WBC due to a left side muscle strain, but he is aiming to be in the Mets’ lineup on Opening Day.
Wright becomes the fourth captain in Mets history, following Keith Hernandez (1987-89), Gary Carter (1988-89) and John Franco (2001-04).
He is the third current player to hold the title, joining New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter and Chicago White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko. As is the case with Jeter and Konerko, Wright doesn’t plan to wear a captain’s “C” on his uniform.
“David is not a guy who wears it on his sleeve, which probably relates to the ‘C’ on the uniform and the fact that it won’t be there,” general manager Sandy Alderson said, according to MLB.com. “I don’t think David needs it. I don’t think that fits his personality. He’s not somebody who is a captain in title alone. It’s really about the substance underneath the title.”
In December, Wright signed the richest contract in Mets history, an eight-year, $138 million extension that runs through the 2020 season. A six-time All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner, Wright has finished in the top 10 of National League MVP voting four times in eight full big-league seasons.
Last year, Wright batted .306 with a .391 on-base percentage, a .492 slugging percentage, 21 homers and 93 RBI in 156 games.