David Wright pinch hits for the Mets in his first MLB appearance since 2016

If this is truly the end of David Wright as a member of the Mets, he is definitely making this weekend one to remember. Given the green light to participate in the Mets’ game against the Marlins on Friday, many didn’t know when exactly he would be seen. Once it did happen, emotions ran high, from the fans to David himself.

In the bottom of the fourth inning, David made his way to the on-deck circle, where fans gave him a standing ovation. It is the simple things in life that made this moment special. Just the appearance of Wright, who last played in a major league game in 2016, brought the crowd to their feet. They would have to wait, however, as the inning ended before he could reach home plate.

The moment then came, and boy was it sweet. Down 3-1 in the bottom of the fifth inning, number five came back out of the dugout and towards the batter’s box, the one where he became the Mets’ all-time hits leader all those years ago. The 27,000+ at Citi Field went wild, pouring out emotion for a man who became the heart and soul of the team. Looking a bit nervous, a familiar smile crept onto Wright’s face. The reunion of man and game came just a bit short, as he grounded out to third on the first pitch offered to him.

The introduction. pic.twitter.com/SlTZDRTm6g

— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 29, 2018

David Wright's first at-bat in two years results in a groundout pic.twitter.com/kiM5nySorH

— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 29, 2018

It was a memory one can never forget, even if the end result was bittersweet. For a moment, everything else didn’t matter. It didn’t matter that the Mets lost the game, or the stats around it. David Wright, a man who has fought through spinal stenosis and a what’s what of injuries, was able to come back to the game he loves.

Said David after the game:

“I really felt butterflies that I never felt before. I think I was pretty close to throwing up on deck. It really was overwhelming. At least tomorrow, I can maybe take a bit of a deep breath and relax a little more. But I doubt it.”

Friday night was the appetizer for Saturday’s main course. Wright will start the game, next to his old friend Jose Reyes. He isn’t expected to last the whole game, and when he leaves is expected to receive an epic ovation, surpassing Friday’s.

For a moment, Saturday can wait. David has waited a long time to return to the MLB, the least he can do is savor it while he can.

With a variety of family and friends expected to be at the game, along with a sold-out Citi Field, David Wright’s potential swan song will be one to remember. Get the tissues ready; for once, it will be acceptable to say there is crying in baseball.