October 30th, 2015: New York Mets vs. Kansas City Royals
Already down two games to none in the World Series, the New York Mets found themselves trailing the Kansas City Royals 1-0 in the bottom of the first inning. Given that this was the first time the Mets hosted a World Series game since 2000, the New York faithful were eager to stand and cheer. The Captain would deliver a celebration.
The Road to the Moment
David Wright had spent most of his Mets career playing for below-average teams. He reached the playoffs just one time before 2015, when he and stars such as Jose Reyes and Carlos Beltran led the club to Game Seven of the NLCS in 2006. As the last remaining member of that ’06 club, David raved about the postseason experience to his teammates and lauded the home fans, reminiscing on their energy from that deep run. He wanted to live those precious moments over again.
Wright’s journey to the 2015 World Series was one of perseverance. In late May, Wright was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column. This injury kept Wright out of the lineup until August. Even when he returned, David had to undergo rigorous pregame regimenting in order to prepare his body to be an everyday player.
The Captain’s dedication eventually led him back to his dream – a deep postseason run. This time, the Mets would reach the World Series.
Captain Clutch: David Wright Delivers
Despite Noah Syndergaard‘s best efforts, Kansas City scored in the first inning following a Ben Zobrist double. All the pressure was on Wright and the Mets to mount a comeback in the game and the series.
Following a Curtis Granderson walk to lead-off the game, Wright stepped to the plate and Yordano Ventura delivered the first pitch for a strike. Down 2-0 in the series, 1-0 in the game, and facing an 0-1 count, David came through.
Ventura leaked a 96 MPH fastball across the middle and The Captain promptly smacked it over the left field wall to give the Mets the lead. Pandemonium would ensue.
As Citi Field erupted, Wright paused and watched the ball travel. He knew that he had just slugged the most important home run of his life. Wright proceeded to gently toss his bat to the ground, skip, and jog around the bases in triumph. As he entered the dugout, Wright was mobbed by a series of high fives; the Mets were energized by their captain.
David’s monster day did not end there – in the bottom of the sixth, with the bases loaded, Wright would single in two runs to extend to Mets lead to five runs. Wright finished the game 2-5 with a home run and four RBI’s.
Jeurys Familia would go on to slam the door shut for the Amazin’s. Fittingly, David Wright recorded the final out of the game on a weak ground ball hit by Kendrys Morales.
On the biggest stage in baseball, with a city’s hopes and dreams resting on his shoulders, and his team backed up against the wall, David Wright delivered.
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