During a press conference on September 13 David Wright was choked up, announcing he would play his final game on September 29. This news shocked Mets fans and baseball fans alike. Wright had been dealing with a deteriorating back/neck injury for six years up until his retirement. He is just 35 years old, but was already considered to be one of the greatest Mets in franchise history.

Not only was he a beloved figure in New York sports, he was also the Mets captain on the field. In 2013, Wright was named as the fourth captain in Mets history, with the previous one Keith Hernandez in 1987. The Captain’s send off was highly anticipated in the weeks leading up to the game, and it was worth the wait. The night started with a sold-out crowd at Citi Field cheering Wright for everything he did. From batting practice, to stretches, to warm ups, the fans screamed his name. When the game was about to start, David Wright’s parents, wife, and kids came onto the field to throw the ceremonial first pitch of the game. Wright embraced his family and sent them off the field; it was gametime.

The Mets Captain, number five, the fan favorite for 14 years, led the team onto the field one final time, racing out to third base alongside his longtime teammate, Jose Reyes. That prompted a standing ovation from the fans, which continued throughout the night. As fans began to witness their captain play ball for the final time, tears were shed by all fans who stuck by Wright throughout his entire career as a New York Met. Number five didn’t give a memorable performance on the field, going 0-1 with a pop out to the first baseman, but that wasn’t important on this night.

The most important performance Wright gave this night was when he exited the field for the final time when young infielder, Amed Rosario, came in during the fifth inning to take him out. He walked off the field with his head held high, waving to the fans with tears in his eyes, thanking them for all of the support through the years. Going into the clubhouse, David Wright ended his career as a Major League Baseball player, and as the face of the New York Mets.

The Captain will be forever missed on the field by Mets fans, New Yorkers, and baseball fans all together.