Time Traveler Tuesdays: Mets 3rd Basemen of the 2000s: The Legend of 'Captain America' David Wright

We write about the positions by decade every week, but it's super rare to run into a decade where it was all about one person. The 2000s 3rd basemen for the Mets will be all about David Wright. He's a legend for Mets fans, and he ranks at the top of almost every statistical category for the team in the 2000s. "Captain America" was a hero to an entire generation of fans, so he deserves all the kind words.

The 2000s started with Robin Ventura at 3rd base for 2000 and 2001. Ventura wasn't a slouch by any means at 3rd base. Even though his best years were behind him at that point in his career, his bat still packed some punch. In 2000, Batman batted .232 with 24 HR, 84 RBIs, and 23 doubles. In 2001, he batted .237 with 21 HR, and 61 RBIs. His time with the Mets ran its course, and he made quite the impression on fans before he drifted away across town to the Bronx.

The next couple of years had a rotation of players at 3rd, with no real consistent player to fill the position full-time. Down in the minors was a young superstar in the making, who was rumored to be called up in 2004. Wright wasn't 100% ready, but the Mets were, so mid-season they brought him up for good. On July 21, 2004, he was called up to replace an injured Jose Reyes. He went 0-4 in his debut, but you could see the twinkle in his eyes. He finished his abbreviated rookie campaign with 14 HR, 40 RBI, 17 doubles, and a .293 batting average. A star was born.

The next season was full of great moments for the 22-year-old. He batted .306 with a .912 OPS. He hit 27 HR, drove in 102 RBI, and roped 42 doubles. The most memorable moment of the year did not come at the plate, however. It was August 9, 2005. The Mets were facing the Royals in Kansas City. A broken bat pop-up was hit to shallow left field as Wright sprinted with his back to the infield. He stretched out, reached out with his bare right (throwing) hand, and made the spectacular catch. The Royals fans gave him an ovation after seeing it. It happened early in his career, but it established the way the captain would play the game.

The life-long Met scorched the league for the rest of the 2000s. From 2006-2009, he made the All-Star team all four seasons. He won two Gold Glove Awards, two Silver Slugger Awards, and finished top 9 in MVP voting three out of those four seasons. He averaged 25 HR and 105 RBI while batting .311.

The truth is, all the stats, all the homers, all the RBIs, and all the hits don't really tell the entire story for Wright. You needed to watch him play to really understand what he meant to the franchise. He was nicknamed 'Captain America,' not only because he played like a superhero, but also because he stood for all that's right in baseball. He played 110% every play, even when he was hurt; he played through the pain, and he was as clutch and as talented as any other player in the Major Leagues while he was healthy.