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| '''Current Team''' [[New York Mets]]
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{{Player Profile Box Top}}<!--- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE-->
  
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{| cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="player-profile-information"
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|-
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| '''Full Name:''' David Allen Wright
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| '''Primary Position:''' 3B
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|-
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| '''Height/Weight:''' 6'0"/215
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| '''First Game:''' [[July 21]], [[2004]]
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|-
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| '''Birthdate:''' [[December 20]], [[1982]]
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| '''MLB Experience:''' 4 years
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|-
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| '''Birthplace:''' Norfolk, Virginia
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|-
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| '''Bat/Throw:''' Right/Right
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|}
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| width="220" valign="top" | {{Player Profile Rating Box}}
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<div style="float:right;margin:0px 0px 10px 10px; width:160px;">
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__TOC__
   
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</div>
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==Biography==
  
 
'''David Allen Wright''' was born December 20, 1982 in Norfolk Virginia to the loving parents of Elisa and Rhon Wright. Wright is the oldest of four brothers Stephen, Matthew, and Daniel. Since Rhon was a police officer there was a strict no tolerance attitude about the household which is really seen in David today. Believe it or not Wright didn't always have his eyes set on becoming an MLB player. Like most of us Wright realized the odds of making it to the League is slim to none and was actually ready to become an engineer.
 
'''David Allen Wright''' was born December 20, 1982 in Norfolk Virginia to the loving parents of Elisa and Rhon Wright. Wright is the oldest of four brothers Stephen, Matthew, and Daniel. Since Rhon was a police officer there was a strict no tolerance attitude about the household which is really seen in David today. Believe it or not Wright didn't always have his eyes set on becoming an MLB player. Like most of us Wright realized the odds of making it to the League is slim to none and was actually ready to become an engineer.
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  +
==Web Directory==
  +
===Stats===
  +
* [http://www.baseball-reference.com/w/wrighda03.shtml Baseball-Reference]
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* [http://www.baseballprospectus.com/pecota/wrighda03.php Baseball Prospectus PECOTA card]
  +
* [http://www.thebaseballcube.com/players/W/david-wright.shtml The Baseball Cube]
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* [http://www.fangraphs.com/graphs.aspx?playerid=3787&position=3B&page=0&type=full Fan Graphs]
  +
  +
===News, Opinion, and Rumors===
  +
* [http://www.metsblog.com/category/david-wright/ David Wright]
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* [http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/david_wright/index.html MLB Trade Rumors]
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* [http://www.rotoworld.com/Content/playerpages/player_main.aspx?sport=Mlb&id=3920 Rotoworld]
  +
* [http://www.prosportsdaily.com/players/david-wright.html Pro Sports Daily]
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* [http://www.topix.net/baseball-players/david-wright Topix.Net]
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* [http://ballhype.com/mlb/david_wright/ BallHype]
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  +
===Shop===
  +
  +
  +
===Other Sites===
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* [http://davidwright.mlblogs.com Wright Now] -- Wright's official blog
  +
* [http://davidwrgitfoundation.com The David Wright Foundation] -- aims to raise money to fight multiple sclerosis.
   
 
===Growing Up Around Baseball===
  
===Growing Up Around Baseball===
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Growing up Wright always had instincts but his body wasn't always fit for athletics just causing him to work harder. In the Virginia area he played with the likes of [[Justin Upton|Justin]] and [[B.J Upton]], along with [[Ryan Zimmerman]] of the [[Washington Nationals]]. Wright has expressed excitement about when the four of them play in the big leagues together. In an interview with The Sporting News, Wright commented on the subject. "When we're all up here together, B.J and Ryan and Justin, it will be like what it was when all those guys from the Tampa area were playing ([[Dwight Gooden]], [[Wade Boggs]], [[Gary Sheffield]], [[Fred McGriff]], [[Tino Martinez]], [[Dave Magadan]]). That's pretty cool. It makes you proud of where you came from, and you fell like you're in a special fraternity. We still work out together in the winter. We have the same trainer."
+
Growing up Wright always had instincts but his body wasn't always fit for athletics just causing him to work harder. In the Virginia area he played with the likes of [[Justin Upton|Justin]] and [[B.J. Upton]], along with [[Ryan Zimmerman]] of the [[Washington Nationals]]. Wright has expressed excitement about when the four of them play in the big leagues together. In an interview with The Sporting News, Wright commented on the subject. "When we're all up here together, B.J and Ryan and Justin, it will be like what it was when all those guys from the Tampa area were playing ([[Dwight Gooden]], [[Wade Boggs]], [[Gary Sheffield]], [[Fred McGriff]], [[Tino Martinez]], [[Dave Magadan]]). That's pretty cool. It makes you proud of where you came from, and you fell like you're in a special fraternity. We still work out together in the winter. We have the same trainer."
   
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Living in Virginia, Wright would often attend games of the [[Norfolk Tide]], the Mets Triple A team. Seeing guys like [[Todd Hundley]] and [[Jeromy Burnitz]] come up threw the system inspired Wright. In high school Wright made Varsity as a Freshman third baseman. During his sophomore season Wright made the transition to shortstop and hit .471, with 4 HR, 18 RBI, while earning Honorable Mention All-State honors. During David's junior season, BJ Upton enrolled at Hickory, previously coming from a private school. BJ and David had been good friends in years past so the new teammate was widely accepted. Believe it or not Wright still held the shortstop position down, while BJ played second base. During the 2000 season Wright fell one game short of the State Title. Being highly recruited he signed a letter of intent to [[Georgia Tech]] to follow in the footsteps of [[Nomar Garciaparra]]. Senior year he had the pressure of college off his shoulders and truly flourished. He was named Virginia High School player of the year as he hit .538 with 6 HR, and 19 RBI.
+
Living in Virginia, Wright would often attend games of the [[Norfolk Tides]], the Mets Triple A team. Seeing guys like [[Todd Hundley]] and [[Jeromy Burnitz]] come up through the system inspired Wright. In high school Wright made Varsity as a Freshman third baseman. During his sophomore season Wright made the transition to shortstop and hit .471, with 4 HR, 18 RBI, while earning Honorable Mention All-State honors. During David's junior season, BJ Upton enrolled at Hickory, previously coming from a private school. BJ and David had been good friends in years past so the new teammate was widely accepted. Believe it or not Wright still held the shortstop position down, while BJ played second base. During the 2000 season Wright fell one game short of the State Title. Being highly recruited he signed a letter of intent to [[Georgia Tech]] to follow in the footsteps of [[Nomar Garciaparra]]. Senior year he had the pressure of college off his shoulders and truly flourished. He was named Virginia High School player of the year as he hit .538 with 6 HR, and 19 RBI.
   
−
== Career ==
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===Early career===
  +
Losing [[Mike Hampton]] was the best thing for the Mets. Since the Mets lost Hampton via free agency, the team acquired a supplemental pick at the end of the first round of the [[2001]] draft. The Mets selected Wright with that pick, and signed him to a $960,000 bonus (which was more than his 2006 salary). Wright officially joined the [[Kingsport Mets]] of the Appalachian League in late July. Wright was moved to third base and the outfield was in his near future if the transition was not a smooth one.
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===Early Career===
  
−
Losing [[Mike Hampton]] was the best thing for the Mets. Since the Mets lost Hampton via free agency, the team acquired a supplemental pick at the end of the first round of the 2001 draft. The Mets selected Wright with that pick, and signed him to a $960,000 bonus (which was more than his 2006 salary). Wright officially joined the [[Kingsport Mets]] of the Appalachian League in late July. Wright was moved to third base and the outfield was in his near future if the transition was not a smooth one.
 
   
 
===Almost Traded -- Twice===
  
===Almost Traded -- Twice===
 
In 2001, the Mets almost traded David to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] for [[Jose Cruz Jr.]]
  
In 2001, the Mets almost traded David to the [[Toronto Blue Jays]] for [[Jose Cruz Jr.]]
   
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The Mets wanted to hire [[Lou Pinella]] in the winter of 2002, but the Mariners -- who had Pinella under contract -- demanded Wright in exchange. The Mets decided to go with [[Art Howe]] instead.
+
The Mets wanted to hire [[Lou Piniella]] in the winter of 2002, but the Mariners—who had Pinella under contract—demanded Wright in exchange. The Mets decided to go with [[Art Howe]] instead.
   
  +
In 2004, David was a non-roster invitee to spring training and was very impressive. Controversy ensued. Starting 3B [[Ty Wigginton]] went down with an injury and the press was demanding for Wright to play. The Mets refused to call up Wright and kept him at Double A until June where he finally got to play with the Tide. On [[July 21]], [[2004]] the Mets promoted Wright to the Majors. Five days later, on July 26, Wright belted his first major league home run. In a half-season with the big club, Wright impressed many. 14 homers, 40 RBI, a .293 batting average, and six stolen bases to none caught. His .332 OBP and .525 SLG put him significantly above average—even though he was the 7th youngest player in the NL. His performance solidified his impressive resume and gave him a strong hold on the Mets third base job for the future.
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===2004===
  
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In 2004, David was a non-roster invitee to spring training and was very impressive. Controversy ensued. Starting 3B [[Ty Wigginton]] went down with an injury and the press was demanding for Wright to play. The Mets refused to call up Wright and kept him at Double A until June where he finally got to play with the Tide. On [[July 21]], [[2004]] the Mets promoted Wright to the Majors. Five days later, on July 26, Wright belted his first major league home run. In a half-season with the big club, Wright impressed many. 14 homers, 40 RBI, a .293 batting average, and six stolen bases to none caught. His .332 OBP and .525 SLG put him significantly above average -- even though he was the 7th youngest player in the NL. His performance solidified his impressive resume and gave him a strong hold on the Mets third base job for the future.
  
   
  +
In 2005, his first full season with the Mets, Wright played in 160 games and batted .306 with 27 home runs, 99 runs, 102 RBI, 42 doubles, and 17 stolen bases, leading the team in average, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI, doubles, and finishing second in home runs to [[Cliff Floyd]] (34). Wright was also in the top ten in the [[National League]] for average, hits, total bases, RBI, extra base hits, and runs. He finished 19th in MVP voting, picking up a total of 18 points.
   
  +
Wright's diving, bare-handed catch in the Mets' August 9 loss to [[San Diego Padres|San Diego]] was named the "This Year in Baseball Play of the Year."
   
−
===2005===
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===30/30 Man in 2007===
  +
Before the Mets' epic collapse, many thought Wright would be a contender for the National League MVP award. He had a 30/30 season, won a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger award.
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In his first full season with the Mets, Wright played in 160 games and batted .306 with 27 home runs, 99 runs, 102 RBI, 42 doubles, and 17 stolen bases, leading the team in average, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI, doubles, and finishing second in home runs to [[Cliff Floyd]] (34). Wright was also in the top ten in the [[National League]] for average, hits, total bases, RBI, extra base hits, and runs. He finished 19th in MVP voting, picking up a total of 18 points.
  
   
  +
==Scouting Report==
−
Wright's diving, bare-handed catch in the Mets' August 9 loss to [[San Diego Padres|San Diego]] was named the "This Year in Baseball Play of the Year."
  
  +
Wright has the ideal by-the-book swing. A short compact stroke, with little to no extra movement in his path to the ball. Wright goes to all fields well and has power in each direction. The initial scouting report on Wright said to pound him in but pitchers have slowly learned that its not the ideal spot to pitch him but what is? Wright works deep into counts, and is an extremely intelligent player who does not overswing and knows his role. Through 2005, Wright has 4 walk off hits, and has become the new, "Mr. Clutch" in New York.
  +
  +
==Statistics==
   
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===2006===
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===Batting Stats===
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{| border="1" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="2" align="right" width="20%" style="margin-left:15px; text-align:center"
 +
{| border="1" bordercolor="#dcdcdc" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="player-profile-stats"
  +
|- class="player-profile-stats-header"
−
| colspan="2" style="background:#0000FF; text-align:center;" | <big>'''<font color="#ffffff">2006 Season</font>'''</big>
 
  +
!Year
  +
!Team
  +
!
  +
!G
  +
!AB
  +
!R
  +
!H
  +
!HR
  +
!RBI
  +
!AVG
  +
!OBP
  +
!SLG
  +
!2B
  +
!3B
  +
!BB
  +
!SO
  +
!HBP
  +
!SH
  +
!SB
  +
!IBB
  +
!GDP
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2004
  +
|NY
  +
| N
  +
|69
  +
|263
  +
|41
  +
|77
  +
|14
  +
|40
  +
|.293
  +
|.332
  +
|.525
  +
|17
  +
|1
  +
|14
  +
|40
  +
|3
  +
|0
  +
|6
  +
|0
  +
|7
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2005
−
| Batting Average
  
  +
|NY
−
| .311
  
−
|-
+
| N
  +
|160
−
| Home Runs
  
−
| 26
 +
|575
−
|-
+
|99
  +
|176
−
| Runs Batted In
  
  +
|27
−
| 116
  
  +
|102
  +
|.306
  +
|.388
  +
|.523
  +
|42
  +
|1
  +
|72
  +
|113
  +
|7
  +
|0
  +
|17
  +
|2
  +
|16
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2006
−
| Hits
  
  +
|NY
−
| 181
  
  +
| N
  +
|154
  +
|582
  +
|96
  +
|181
  +
|26
  +
|116
  +
|.311
  +
|.381
  +
|.531
  +
|40
  +
|5
  +
|66
  +
|113
  +
|5
  +
|0
  +
|20
  +
|13
  +
|15
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2007
−
| Runs Scored
  
−
| 96
 +
|NY
  +
| N
  +
|160
  +
|604
  +
|113
  +
|196
  +
|30
  +
|107
  +
|.325
  +
|.416
  +
|.546
  +
|42
  +
|1
  +
|94
  +
|115
  +
|6
  +
|0
  +
|34
  +
|6
  +
|14
  +
|- class="player-profile-stats-total"
  +
|Total
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|543
  +
|2024
  +
|349
  +
|630
  +
|97
  +
|365
  +
|.311
  +
|.388
  +
|.533
  +
|141
  +
|8
  +
|246
  +
|381
  +
|21
  +
|0
  +
|77
  +
|21
  +
|52
  +
|}
  +
  +
===Fielding Stats===
  +
{| border="1" bordercolor="#dcdcdc" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" class="player-profile-stats"
  +
|- class="player-profile-stats-header"
  +
!Year
  +
!Team
  +
!
  +
!POS
  +
!G
  +
!GS
  +
!INN
  +
!PO
  +
!A
  +
!ERR
  +
!DP
  +
!TP
  +
!PB
  +
!SB
  +
!CS
  +
!PkO
  +
!AVG
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2004
−
| Stolen Bases
  
−
| 20
 +
|NY
−
|-
+
| N
  +
|3B
−
| On Base Percentage
  
  +
|69
−
| .381
  
−
|-
+
|68
  +
|603.2
−
| Slugging Percentage
  
  +
|39
−
| .531
  
  +
|140
  +
|11
  +
|10
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.942
 
|-
  
|-
  +
|2005
  +
|NY
  +
| N
  +
|3B
  +
|160
  +
|160
  +
|1404.1
  +
|101
  +
|336
  +
|24
  +
|23
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.948
  +
|-
  +
|2006
  +
|NY
  +
| N
  +
|DH
  +
|1
  +
|1
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.000
  +
|-
  +
|2006
  +
|NY
  +
| N
  +
|3B
  +
|153
  +
|153
  +
|1365.1
  +
|107
  +
|288
  +
|19
  +
|31
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.954
  +
|- class="player-profile-stats-total"
  +
|Total
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|3B
  +
|382
  +
|381
  +
|3373.1
  +
|247
  +
|764
  +
|54
  +
|64
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.949
  +
|- class="player-profile-stats-total"
  +
|Total
  +
|
  +
|
  +
|DH
  +
|1
  +
|1
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|0
  +
|.000
 
|}
  
|}
  +
==Transactions==
  +
* Selected by New York Mets in the 1st round (38th pick overall) of the free-agent draft (June 5, 2001 - signed July 12, 2001). The Mets were given the pick when they lost [[Mike Hampton]] to the [[Colorado Rockies]] via free agency.
  +
* Signed a six year, $55 million contract extension in August, 2006, with the [[New York Mets]]. Wright earned a $1.5 million signing bonus and $1 million in 2007. He is due $5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $10 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011, and $15 million in 2012. The Mets also hold a $16 million club option in 2013 with a $1 million buy-out.
   
−
==Scouting Report==
 +
==Trivia==
  +
* Wright's at bat songs in 2007 were "Me & U" by Cassie and Juelz Santana's "The Second Coming". He used "Party Up" by DMX and Brass Monkey by the Beastie Boys as his walk up songs in 2006.
−
Wright has the ideal by the books swing. A short compact stroke, with little to no extra movement in his path to the ball. Wright goes to all fields well and has power in each direction. The initial scouting report on Wright said to pound him in but pitchers have slowly learned that its not the ideal spot to pitch him but what is? Wright works deep into counts, and is an extremely intelligent player who does not overswing and knows his role. Already Wright has 4 walk off hits, and has become the new, "Mr. Clutch" in New York. Wright's power will increase as he continues to frow, he is still just 23 years old.
  
  +
* In 2008 one of the many songs he comes to bat to is Good Life by Kanye West
−  
  +
* Wright appears on the cover of, and is featured prominently in, the U.S. April 2007 issue of Men's Health magazine.
−
==Statistics==
  
  +
* On April 10, 2007, a wax figure of him was unveiled at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York.
−
<stats>
  
  +
* He is attributed to being the instigator of the [[2007 New York Mets]]' "haircut fest" while on a roadtrip in [[San Francisco]]. David had his bullpen catcher shave his head on a Monday (May 7) night. During the following day, more of the team followed suit, for different reasons. Some said they were making David feel less bad about his newfound looks. Others thought it was for team unity. A few holdouts, such as [[Tom Glavine]], [[Aaron Heilman]], [[Jose Reyes]], and [[Aaron Sele]] remained, but they eventually gave in. By Friday, May 11, all of the team, even General Manager [[Omar Minaya]], had been buzzed.
−
Player=David Wright
  
  +
* On May 19, 2007, David hit a 460 foot, 2-run home run off [[New York Yankees]] reliever [[Mike Myers]]. The home run went over the Shea Stadium bleachers and landed in the Citi Field construction site and has been jokingly referred to as the first home run in the history of Citi Field.
−
Type=Batting
  
  +
* Wright is featured on the cover of MLB '07: The Show.
−
</stats>
 
  +
* Wright's sport idols are [[Cal Ripken Jr.]] and [[Michael Jordan]].
−  
  +
* David sticks his tongue out while he concentrates and has done it all his life, in school and on the field.
−  
  +
* David is a big College Football fan. His favorite team is the Virginia Tech Hokies (VA), although he admits that he roots for Rutgers, while playing in New York.
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{{Player Profile Box Middle1}}<!--- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE-->
  
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* On October 18, 2007 David and [[Michael Strahan]] (of the [[New York Giants]]) attended the South Florida vs. Rutgers University football game in Piscatway, NJ.
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[[Image:David wright.jpg]]
  
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{{Player Profile Box Middle2}}<!--- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE-->
  
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'''Position:''' Third Base
  
−  
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'''Team:''' [[New York Mets]]
  
−  
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'''Uniform Number:'''
 
−  
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'''Years in League:''' Three
  
−  
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'''Age:'''
 
−  
−
'''Height:'''
 
−  
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'''Weight:'''
 
−  
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'''Bats:''' Right
  
−  
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'''Throws:''' Right
  
   
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'''College:'''
 
   
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'''Selection:'''
  
   
  +
==See also==
−
'''Drafted By:''' New York Mets
  
   
−
'''Major League Debut:'''
  
   
−
'''Salary:'''
  
   
  +
* [http://davidwright.mlblogs.com/ David Wright's blog] at MLBlogs
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'''Date of Birth:'''
  
  +
* [http://www.davidwrightfoundation.com/ David Wright Foundation]
   
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'''Place of Birth:'''
  
   
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{{Player Profile Box Bottom}}<!--- PLEASE DO NOT REMOVE THIS LINE-->
  
   
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[[Category: MLB Players|Wright,David]]
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Wright, David}}
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[[Category: New York Mets Players|Wright,David]]
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[[Category:Athletes]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players]]
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[[Category:Third Basemen]]
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[[Category:Designated Hitters]]
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[[Category:Athletes with the Last Name Wright]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players with the Last Name Wright]]
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[[Category:Athletes with the First Name David]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players with the First Name David]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born in December]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born in December]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born on December 20]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born on December 20]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born in 1982]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born in 1982]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born in December 1982]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born in December 1982]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born on December 20, 1982]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born on December 20, 1982]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born in Norfolk, Virginia]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born in Norfolk, Virginia]]
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[[Category:Athletes Born in Virginia]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Born in Virginia]]
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[[Category:New York Mets Players]]
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[[Category:2004 New York Mets Players]]
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[[Category:2005 New York Mets Players]]
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[[Category:2006 New York Mets Players]]
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[[Category:2007 New York Mets Players]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players who bat Right Handed]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players who throw Right Handed]]
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[[Category:Athletes Who Debuted in July]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Who Debuted in July]]
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[[Category:Athletes Who Debuted on July 21]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Who Debuted on July 21]]
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[[Category:Athletes Who Debuted in 2004]]
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[[Category:Baseball Players Who Debuted in 2004]]
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[[Category:Athletes Who Debuted in July 2004]]
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Latest revision as of 11:31, 2 January 2019

| Current Team New York Mets

Full Name: David Allen Wright Primary Position: 3B
Height/Weight: 6'0"/215 First Game: July 21, 2004
Birthdate: December 20, 1982 MLB Experience: 4 years
Birthplace: Norfolk, Virginia
Bat/Throw: Right/Right

David Allen Wright was born December 20, 1982 in Norfolk Virginia to the loving parents of Elisa and Rhon Wright. Wright is the oldest of four brothers Stephen, Matthew, and Daniel. Since Rhon was a police officer there was a strict no tolerance attitude about the household which is really seen in David today. Believe it or not Wright didn't always have his eyes set on becoming an MLB player. Like most of us Wright realized the odds of making it to the League is slim to none and was actually ready to become an engineer.

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Growing Up Around Baseball

Growing up Wright always had instincts but his body wasn't always fit for athletics just causing him to work harder. In the Virginia area he played with the likes of Justin and B.J. Upton, along with Ryan Zimmerman of the Washington Nationals. Wright has expressed excitement about when the four of them play in the big leagues together. In an interview with The Sporting News, Wright commented on the subject. "When we're all up here together, B.J and Ryan and Justin, it will be like what it was when all those guys from the Tampa area were playing (Dwight Gooden, Wade Boggs, Gary Sheffield, Fred McGriff, Tino Martinez, Dave Magadan). That's pretty cool. It makes you proud of where you came from, and you fell like you're in a special fraternity. We still work out together in the winter. We have the same trainer."

Living in Virginia, Wright would often attend games of the Norfolk Tides, the Mets Triple A team. Seeing guys like Todd Hundley and Jeromy Burnitz come up through the system inspired Wright. In high school Wright made Varsity as a Freshman third baseman. During his sophomore season Wright made the transition to shortstop and hit .471, with 4 HR, 18 RBI, while earning Honorable Mention All-State honors. During David's junior season, BJ Upton enrolled at Hickory, previously coming from a private school. BJ and David had been good friends in years past so the new teammate was widely accepted. Believe it or not Wright still held the shortstop position down, while BJ played second base. During the 2000 season Wright fell one game short of the State Title. Being highly recruited he signed a letter of intent to Georgia Tech to follow in the footsteps of Nomar Garciaparra. Senior year he had the pressure of college off his shoulders and truly flourished. He was named Virginia High School player of the year as he hit .538 with 6 HR, and 19 RBI.

Early career

Losing Mike Hampton was the best thing for the Mets. Since the Mets lost Hampton via free agency, the team acquired a supplemental pick at the end of the first round of the 2001 draft. The Mets selected Wright with that pick, and signed him to a $960,000 bonus (which was more than his 2006 salary). Wright officially joined the Kingsport Mets of the Appalachian League in late July. Wright was moved to third base and the outfield was in his near future if the transition was not a smooth one.

Almost Traded -- Twice

In 2001, the Mets almost traded David to the Toronto Blue Jays for Jose Cruz Jr.

The Mets wanted to hire Lou Piniella in the winter of 2002, but the Mariners—who had Pinella under contract—demanded Wright in exchange. The Mets decided to go with Art Howe instead.

In 2004, David was a non-roster invitee to spring training and was very impressive. Controversy ensued. Starting 3B Ty Wigginton went down with an injury and the press was demanding for Wright to play. The Mets refused to call up Wright and kept him at Double A until June where he finally got to play with the Tide. On July 21, 2004 the Mets promoted Wright to the Majors. Five days later, on July 26, Wright belted his first major league home run. In a half-season with the big club, Wright impressed many. 14 homers, 40 RBI, a .293 batting average, and six stolen bases to none caught. His .332 OBP and .525 SLG put him significantly above average—even though he was the 7th youngest player in the NL. His performance solidified his impressive resume and gave him a strong hold on the Mets third base job for the future.

In 2005, his first full season with the Mets, Wright played in 160 games and batted .306 with 27 home runs, 99 runs, 102 RBI, 42 doubles, and 17 stolen bases, leading the team in average, runs, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, RBI, doubles, and finishing second in home runs to Cliff Floyd (34). Wright was also in the top ten in the National League for average, hits, total bases, RBI, extra base hits, and runs. He finished 19th in MVP voting, picking up a total of 18 points.

Wright's diving, bare-handed catch in the Mets' August 9 loss to San Diego was named the "This Year in Baseball Play of the Year."

30/30 Man in 2007

Before the Mets' epic collapse, many thought Wright would be a contender for the National League MVP award. He had a 30/30 season, won a Gold Glove, and a Silver Slugger award.

Scouting Report

Wright has the ideal by-the-book swing. A short compact stroke, with little to no extra movement in his path to the ball. Wright goes to all fields well and has power in each direction. The initial scouting report on Wright said to pound him in but pitchers have slowly learned that its not the ideal spot to pitch him but what is? Wright works deep into counts, and is an extremely intelligent player who does not overswing and knows his role. Through 2005, Wright has 4 walk off hits, and has become the new, "Mr. Clutch" in New York.

Statistics

Batting Stats

Year Team G AB R H HR RBI AVG OBP SLG 2B 3B BB SO HBP SH SB IBB GDP
2004 NY N 69 263 41 77 14 40 .293 .332 .525 17 1 14 40 3 0 6 0 7
2005 NY N 160 575 99 176 27 102 .306 .388 .523 42 1 72 113 7 0 17 2 16
2006 NY N 154 582 96 181 26 116 .311 .381 .531 40 5 66 113 5 0 20 13 15
2007 NY N 160 604 113 196 30 107 .325 .416 .546 42 1 94 115 6 0 34 6 14
Total 543 2024 349 630 97 365 .311 .388 .533 141 8 246 381 21 0 77 21 52

Fielding Stats

Year Team POS G GS INN PO A ERR DP TP PB SB CS PkO AVG
2004 NY N 3B 69 68 603.2 39 140 11 10 0 0 0 0 0 .942
2005 NY N 3B 160 160 1404.1 101 336 24 23 0 0 0 0 0 .948
2006 NY N DH 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
2006 NY N 3B 153 153 1365.1 107 288 19 31 0 0 0 0 0 .954
Total 3B 382 381 3373.1 247 764 54 64 0 0 0 0 0 .949
Total DH 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000

Transactions

  • Selected by New York Mets in the 1st round (38th pick overall) of the free-agent draft (June 5, 2001 - signed July 12, 2001). The Mets were given the pick when they lost Mike Hampton to the Colorado Rockies via free agency.
  • Signed a six year, $55 million contract extension in August, 2006, with the New York Mets. Wright earned a $1.5 million signing bonus and $1 million in 2007. He is due $5 million in 2008, $7.5 million in 2009, $10 million in 2010, $14 million in 2011, and $15 million in 2012. The Mets also hold a $16 million club option in 2013 with a $1 million buy-out.

Trivia

  • Wright's at bat songs in 2007 were "Me & U" by Cassie and Juelz Santana's "The Second Coming". He used "Party Up" by DMX and Brass Monkey by the Beastie Boys as his walk up songs in 2006.
  • In 2008 one of the many songs he comes to bat to is Good Life by Kanye West
  • Wright appears on the cover of, and is featured prominently in, the U.S. April 2007 issue of Men's Health magazine.
  • On April 10, 2007, a wax figure of him was unveiled at the Madame Tussauds wax museum in New York.
  • He is attributed to being the instigator of the 2007 New York Mets' "haircut fest" while on a roadtrip in San Francisco. David had his bullpen catcher shave his head on a Monday (May 7) night. During the following day, more of the team followed suit, for different reasons. Some said they were making David feel less bad about his newfound looks. Others thought it was for team unity. A few holdouts, such as Tom Glavine, Aaron Heilman, Jose Reyes, and Aaron Sele remained, but they eventually gave in. By Friday, May 11, all of the team, even General Manager Omar Minaya, had been buzzed.
  • On May 19, 2007, David hit a 460 foot, 2-run home run off New York Yankees reliever Mike Myers. The home run went over the Shea Stadium bleachers and landed in the Citi Field construction site and has been jokingly referred to as the first home run in the history of Citi Field.
  • Wright is featured on the cover of MLB '07: The Show.
  • Wright's sport idols are Cal Ripken Jr. and Michael Jordan.
  • David sticks his tongue out while he concentrates and has done it all his life, in school and on the field.
  • David is a big College Football fan. His favorite team is the Virginia Tech Hokies (VA), although he admits that he roots for Rutgers, while playing in New York.
  • On October 18, 2007 David and Michael Strahan (of the New York Giants) attended the South Florida vs. Rutgers University football game in Piscatway, NJ.


See also

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