Mets Legend David Wright Declines “Old Timers Day” Invitation

Image ©Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

✍️ Written by :

Frank Weber

🗓 Updated :

May 19th 2023

I’ll start this story off by being completely transparent with you all: I never understood the David Wright hype. Granted, I grew up a Yankees fan–but with a Mets fan Dad and only 17 miles separating me and Shea Stadium/Citi Field, David Wright was just as much a part of my childhood as Derek Jeter was. I was a sports nerd growing up (if you couldn’t tell) so most of my time was spent watching Sportscenter or even reading the sports column in the newspaper, and living in New York made it almost impossible to avoid David Wright. And while half of the city was in love with him, I just never understood it.

Ultimately, he was a good third baseman. And yes, I understand he was the Mets ONLY good player for a majority of his career, but at the end of it all–he really did nothing for you Mets fans. No World Series rings, no MVPs, and an embarrassing Home Run Derby appearance. And thanks to his back injuries that ultimately ended his career, he didn’t even finish his revered MLB career with more than 1,000 RBIs (he has 970).

However, regardless of all my hooting and hollering, the day is sure to come when he forever becomes enshrined in Mets history and has his number (5) retired. The 7x All-Star is a fan favorite and is still represented by hundreds of fans wearing his jersey at Mets games every day. So, because of his high standing in Mets fan's hearts, you would think he would do anything for the organization that gave him his life.

Like, for example, if they were having their first ever “Old Timers Day” game, and they invited him to play, you would imagine that he would be the first one to say YES to it, right? Well, think again.

The Mets “Old Timers Day” roster was released today (August 11th) and many were surprised to see David Wright's name missing. It must be a typo, right?

Nope. And if you want proof, there’s an SNY interview from all the way back in March where he even says he won’t participate in the game.

“I don’t consider myself old,” Wright said when asked if he would go. “I think I’ll sit this one out.”

I’m sorry but come ON David Wright. The first time you can give a little something back to the fans since you retired and you just turn it right down. Old Timers Day isn’t about the PLAYERS, it’s all for the FANS. Who cares if you think you’re old or not–just play in the game.

It’s even more infuriating considering some of the players who ARE playing in the game that are younger than Wright: