David Wright’s Saturday swan song was the perfect end to an emotional weekend

If this is truly the end of David Wright’s career, he went out with a bang. From the look in his eye during his first at-bat since 2016 on Friday, to his final curtain call on Saturday, the 35-year-old from Norfolk, Virginia, while more emotional than ever, showed that same humbleness that he portrayed for over 14+ years.

On Saturday, September 29, 43,000 plus fans witnessed an end of an era. Due to the unfortunate circumstances surrounding his health, David Wright’s future in baseball seems to be bleak. For just a few hours, fans were able to celebrate what David brought to Flushing. Citi Field, with a crowd David has called the best fans in the world, was rocking like never before. It was an eerie atmosphere; not as vibrant as a playoff game, but one of sadness and happiness. A true Met was finally getting to play the game he loves again, and leave on his own terms.

Throughout the day, there were tweets, video packages and programming all dedicated to the 2001 amateur draft pick for the Mets. Mayor Bill de Blasio even named the 29th as David Wright Day. As we were creeping closer to game time, emotions started to kick in. Every reporter who got to follow David for all these years couldn’t help but feel like a fan.

As was customary when he played regularly, Wright was the first person to hit the field before the first pitch of the game. Being the only one out there, he received one of many standing ovations of that night. When David Wright’s daughter, Olivia, who never saw her dad play before, threw the first pitch to him, there was not a dry eye watching. I’m not just talking about at Citi Field, but anyone who could get their hands on a feed to SNY.

Olivia Shea Wright throws out tonight's first pitch. pic.twitter.com/ajFaARXxgo

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

Speaking after the game, Wright, like he always did, continued to praise the fans:

“It hit me right in the heart when I took the field for the first time and heard the fans cheer.”

Saturday night was a time to savor every bit of David Wright. The captain did go 0-for-1 with a walk, each time the fans celebrating the man who brought two NL East titles and a World Series to Flushing. When he came to bat, everyone went silent. All that was going on was phones recording every moment. He made a nice defensive play at third as well.

When he came out of the game in the top of the fifth inning, some thought it was premature. Could he have gotten at least one more at-bat, to see if he could get his first hit in two years? Maybe, but who are we to deny David a moment he will never forget, regardless if he got a hit or not? If you thought emotions ran high before the game, that was just the appetizer. The main course came as manager Mickey Callaway made the call, allowing Wright time to salute the Flushing Faithful and take it all in.

#DavidWright says goodbye. pic.twitter.com/qwAJcG0iZX

— MLB (@MLB) September 30, 2018

Now, if that was it, everything would have been perfect. David joined the SNY and WOR broadcasts to talk about everything that has been going on with him. Keith Hernandez stated he would be a welcomed addition to the 1986 team, although he would have to bat seventh. All the while, Mets fans were audibly chanting, “Thank You David” throughout the broadcast. A perfect ending, right? The Mets still had a game to play, however, and it never seemed to end. It wasn’t until an Austin Jackson walk-off double in the 13th when dessert would be served.

After the game, Wright’s speech was heartfelt and to the point. It was like the way he played, which was only proper.

“Thank you for cheering for me, and thank you for allowing me to live out my dream in front of you each and every night. Thank you very much.”

"This is love"

David Wright addresses the crowd at Citi Field: pic.twitter.com/iLYqA3MpxH

— SportsNet New York (@SNYtv) September 30, 2018

Fireworks then went off as the night ended as it began; a celebratory reminder of what Mets fan had. There were tears of joy, heartbreak and relief in one night.

As Saturday turned to Sunday, Mets fans from all over realized that a chapter was closing in their lives. Not only is David Wright a seven-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glove winner and the all-time Mets hits leader, he is a human being. He is someone fans can relate to, and who lifted the spirits of those who were down when the Mets were at their worst. If Saturday is how they will remember Wright, smiling and thankful, then they too can feel the same.

Oh Captain, My Captain!