David Wright played in his final major league game Saturday night, when the Mets third baseman went 0-for-1 with a walk before exiting in the top of the fifth inning of New York's 1-0, 13-inning win over the visiting Miami Marlins at Citi Field.
Austin Jackson's walk-off RBI double scored Michael Conforto and finally capped a marathon that lasted four hours and 14 minutes.
Daniel Zamora (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless 13th for the Mets (76-85). Jarlin Garcia (3-3) took the loss for the Marlins (63-97).
Wright, who before this weekend hadn't played for the Mets since May 27, 2016, due to neck, back and shoulder surgeries, spent most of the summer rehabbing but said during a press conference Sept. 13 that he would not be able to play baseball beyond this season. He and the Mets agreed he would suit up for the final homestand and start the penultimate game.
Wright grounded out as a pinch hitter Friday night before receiving a send-off fitting for the most accomplished player to play his entire career with the Mets. Wright, who was selected by New York in the first round of the 2001 draft, leads the franchise in eight offensive categories, including hits (1,777) and RBIs (970) and ranks second in games played (1,585) and home runs (242)
Fans were allowed in to watch batting practice and roared as he hit three homers. Afterward, Wright signed autographs and posed for pictures with fans gathered behind home plate before he made his way down the first base line.
Wright's 2-year-old daughter, Olivia Shea, threw out the first pitch to him as his parents, wife and infant daughter watched from behind her.
An opportunity to pen the storybook ending presented itself in the first inning, when Wright's longtime teammate and friend, Jose Reyes, laced a leadoff double and went to third on Jeff McNeil's sacrifice. But Wright was walked on six pitches by Trevor Richards.
Wright fielded his lone chance in the second before making his final plate appearance leading off the fourth. With the crowd of 43,928 standing, Wright popped up to first base, where Peter O'Brien seemed almost sheepish as he made the catch. Wright grinned and tapped his bat against his shoes as he walked into the dugout.
Wright jogged out to third base for the top of the fifth, but manager Mickey Callaway exited the dugout to pull Wright for Amed Rosario. A teary-eyed Wright waved to all sections of Citi Field and hugged teammates standing in front of the dugout before heading down the steps. He exited for one more curtain call before disappearing into the clubhouse.
Marlins starter Trevor Richards allowed six hits and two walks while striking out eight over 6 2/3 scoreless innings. Mets starter Steven Matz gave up three hits and one walk while striking out eight over six scoreless frames.
--Field Level Media