David Wright was even better than you remember.
The New York Mets’ legendary third baseman is getting his No. 5 retired this weekend, and deservedly so.
But because of how his career ended, with back problems ruining what should’ve been a triumphant second half of his baseball accomplishments, Wright’s full prowess can sometimes be forgotten.
There was a time he may have been the single best baseball player on the planet.
Two statistics circulated this week that really bring home the point of just how good Wright was.
The first: Wright had more Wins Above Replacement through his age-30 season than Chipper Jones did.
The second: Only two players in their first 10 MLB seasons have batted .300 with at least 200 homers, 175 steals and 600 walks. They are Wright, and Mike Trout.
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This guy was a no-doubt, sure-fire, first-ballot Hall of Famer. Frankly, maybe he should get a longer look at the Hall of Fame anyway. His peak was historically great.
Instead, it’s hard to remember Wright without the late-career injury troubles, the limited mobility and the extended absences.
But this weekend is a reminder to remember Wright as so much more, as the smiling, leading, brilliant third baseman who took baseball by storm from the moment he first donned that Mets uniform.
Wright is one of the greatest there ever was. His counting stats were cut short by injuries, but his talent and peak will always stand among the legends of this brilliant game of baseball.
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