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The Captain: A Memoir
A memoir from one of the most admired players in baseball, the captain of the New York Mets, David Wright David Wright played his entire Major League Baseball career for one team, the team he dreamed of playing for as a the New York Mets. A quick fan favorite from Virginia who then earned his stripes in New York, Wright came back time and again from injury and demonstrated the power of hard work, total commitment, and an infinite love of the game. Wright’s stats are one thing. He was a seven-time All-Star, a two-time Gold Glove Award winner, and a two-time Silver Slugger Award winner. He holds many Mets franchise records and was nicknamed "Captain America" after his performance in the 2013 World Baseball Classic. But there is The walk-offs. The Barehand. The Subway Series and World Series home runs. And the electricity that swept through Shea Stadium then Citi Field whenever number 5, “the Captain,” was in the game.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 13, 2020
96 people are currently reading
452 people want to read
About the author
David Wright
3 books1 followerLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
David Wright is a retired American professional baseball player. He was captain of the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2013 - 2018.
David Wright is a retired American professional baseball player. He was captain of the New York Mets of Major League Baseball (MLB) from 2013 - 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
December 26, 2020
David Wright is one of those baseball “what if” stories. What if he was able to stay healthy and not have battled injuries the last few seasons of his career? What if his team, the New York Mets, had been able to win at least one championship instead of losing some of those chances in heartbreaking fashion? Those are questions for others to answer as Wright has no regrets and lives up to his reputation as one of the best ambassadors to the game in his memoir, co-written with Anthony DiComo.
Wright doesn’t spend much time talking about his childhood when he grew up in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia. He played alongside another future MLB player, Michael Cuddyer, whom he mentions frequently in this part of his story and later becomes his teammate when the Mets reach the World Series in 2015. At the time, the local minor league team, the Norfolk Tides, were the AAA farm team for the Mets and Wright had dreams of playing for them. So when the call came that he was drafted by them, you can imagine the joy he and his family were sharing, even if that meant he had to back out on his agreement to play baseball for Georgia Tech.
Even though he had a fairly quick route to the major leagues, he talks about his insecurities and questioning of his ability to reach the majors. Knowing what we know now about his success (when healthy) during his time with the Mets, that seems awfully strange, but it was a constant for him throughout his minor league time. That is one explanation behind his work ethic, which is another topic he writes about often.
Wright had the image of a clean cut, very friendly baseball player who would rarely criticize anyone and lead more by example than by yelling. That image is certainly verified in this book, where he is very reluctant to criticize anyone, tell stories that would shed a negative light on anyone, or even say anything bad about some who are not favorably received. A very good example of this is his praise and thanks to the former owners of the Mets, the Wilpon family. While most Mets fans do not look upon the former owners too kindly, Wright is very thankful to them for giving him the chance to succeed. Another is his defense of Carlos Beltran for taking the third strike to end game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series and thereby costing the Mets a chance to go to the World Series.
The best baseball stories for Wright come from the more successful seasons that the Mets had during his time, such as the aforementioned 2006 season and the 2015 season as well, even though by this time, he had already begun missing significant playing time due to various injuries. His home run in game 3 of the 2105 World Series is the moment that he considers to be his best as he states it was one of the few times he didn’t think about the game at hand and just let himself enjoy the moment. It probably helped that this was the one game the Mets won during that series.
After Wright was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2016 which eventually led to his decision to retire, it is clear to the reader that he is less engaged in baseball and more about his family as he got married and had two daughters in that time. When he finally made the decision to retire and asked if he could play one last time on the penultimate day of the 2018 season, the reader will feel the joy and relief that Wright did when he knew that this was the end, but was very appreciative of the love that he received from the sold-out crowd at Citi Field.
A memoir that truly reflects the person who wrote it, “The Captain” is a book that Mets fans will want to add to their collection and one that baseball fans who just want to learn more about the captain of Mets will also want to read.
Wright doesn’t spend much time talking about his childhood when he grew up in the Norfolk/Hampton Roads region of southeastern Virginia. He played alongside another future MLB player, Michael Cuddyer, whom he mentions frequently in this part of his story and later becomes his teammate when the Mets reach the World Series in 2015. At the time, the local minor league team, the Norfolk Tides, were the AAA farm team for the Mets and Wright had dreams of playing for them. So when the call came that he was drafted by them, you can imagine the joy he and his family were sharing, even if that meant he had to back out on his agreement to play baseball for Georgia Tech.
Even though he had a fairly quick route to the major leagues, he talks about his insecurities and questioning of his ability to reach the majors. Knowing what we know now about his success (when healthy) during his time with the Mets, that seems awfully strange, but it was a constant for him throughout his minor league time. That is one explanation behind his work ethic, which is another topic he writes about often.
Wright had the image of a clean cut, very friendly baseball player who would rarely criticize anyone and lead more by example than by yelling. That image is certainly verified in this book, where he is very reluctant to criticize anyone, tell stories that would shed a negative light on anyone, or even say anything bad about some who are not favorably received. A very good example of this is his praise and thanks to the former owners of the Mets, the Wilpon family. While most Mets fans do not look upon the former owners too kindly, Wright is very thankful to them for giving him the chance to succeed. Another is his defense of Carlos Beltran for taking the third strike to end game 7 of the 2006 National League Championship Series and thereby costing the Mets a chance to go to the World Series.
The best baseball stories for Wright come from the more successful seasons that the Mets had during his time, such as the aforementioned 2006 season and the 2015 season as well, even though by this time, he had already begun missing significant playing time due to various injuries. His home run in game 3 of the 2105 World Series is the moment that he considers to be his best as he states it was one of the few times he didn’t think about the game at hand and just let himself enjoy the moment. It probably helped that this was the one game the Mets won during that series.
After Wright was diagnosed with spinal stenosis in 2016 which eventually led to his decision to retire, it is clear to the reader that he is less engaged in baseball and more about his family as he got married and had two daughters in that time. When he finally made the decision to retire and asked if he could play one last time on the penultimate day of the 2018 season, the reader will feel the joy and relief that Wright did when he knew that this was the end, but was very appreciative of the love that he received from the sold-out crowd at Citi Field.
A memoir that truly reflects the person who wrote it, “The Captain” is a book that Mets fans will want to add to their collection and one that baseball fans who just want to learn more about the captain of Mets will also want to read.
October 20, 2020
This book is written in such an intimate manner that feels like David Wright is right next to you, telling his life’s story in a genuine, self-deprecating and earnest way. He drops some personal thoughts that are laugh out loud funny and you can feel his anguish and heartbreak as he describes his injuries and how hard he worked to get back to the game he loves. If you are a Mets fan and you didn’t already love and admire the Captain from how he plays on the field and carries himself professionally, you certainly will once you read this book. One can only wish that he had a longer career - who knows what more he could have achieved?
October 18, 2020
An absolute must read for every Mets fan! Honest and heartfelt book that will help Mets fans relive their years with The Captain.
October 28, 2020
When David Wright was named the captain of the New York Mets, that was the greatest achievement of his life. No, wait. When he was selected to represent USA in the World Baseball Championships, that was the greatest achievement of his life. No, wait. When he hit a home run when coming back after a long rehab for back surgery, that was the greatest achievement of his life. No wait.... Being drafted by the Mets, walking around St. Louis' Busch Stadium with Willie Randolph, having friends. All things are great in David Wright's life.
At first, you'd think you'd get diabetes reading this with all the sugary, happy stories. Don't expect any dirt on anyone. At one point, he begins to get a little saucy with Jimmy Rollins after Rollins said the Phillies would win the National League East over the Mets in 2005 or so. But then he curtails in and says Rollins is just really competitive.
But Wright really is a happy guy with a very positive attitude. After figuring that out, it made reading this easier. Maybe we're accustomed to negative memoirs where writers slash people and spill all the bad stories. It's not here. Instead, it's an inside look at a baseball player's vulnerabilities, his hopes, his attempts at doing the best he can do. Baseball is Wright's life.
There's lots of game recounts and Wright gets inside his own psychology of the game.
Also, after being somewhat bored by the repetitiveness of his love of all things good, the ending is very poignant about his decision to retire. I was never a Mets fan (Go, Cubs!), but I acknowledge Wright was probably the best player in Mets history besides Tom Seaver and maybe at a time Darryl Strawberry. Wright capture the sadness of leaving a sport he loves well.
In fact, it's enough to bump my rating to 3.5 stars. If you're a Mets fan, this is a great read. If you're a baseball fan, it'll do for as an alternative to the really messed up Covid season we're seeing.
At first, you'd think you'd get diabetes reading this with all the sugary, happy stories. Don't expect any dirt on anyone. At one point, he begins to get a little saucy with Jimmy Rollins after Rollins said the Phillies would win the National League East over the Mets in 2005 or so. But then he curtails in and says Rollins is just really competitive.
But Wright really is a happy guy with a very positive attitude. After figuring that out, it made reading this easier. Maybe we're accustomed to negative memoirs where writers slash people and spill all the bad stories. It's not here. Instead, it's an inside look at a baseball player's vulnerabilities, his hopes, his attempts at doing the best he can do. Baseball is Wright's life.
There's lots of game recounts and Wright gets inside his own psychology of the game.
Also, after being somewhat bored by the repetitiveness of his love of all things good, the ending is very poignant about his decision to retire. I was never a Mets fan (Go, Cubs!), but I acknowledge Wright was probably the best player in Mets history besides Tom Seaver and maybe at a time Darryl Strawberry. Wright capture the sadness of leaving a sport he loves well.
In fact, it's enough to bump my rating to 3.5 stars. If you're a Mets fan, this is a great read. If you're a baseball fan, it'll do for as an alternative to the really messed up Covid season we're seeing.
July 26, 2021
Every Mets fan has to read this book
July 7, 2025
Decent baseball memoir. Really likes to say ‘trepidation’ and ‘hacking away’
August 23, 2022
Awesome read but sad to think about what could have been. Also they totally stole the title for their dumb Jeter docuseries
February 3, 2023
A little bit of a slow start but ultimately a lovely read. It was nice to hear about his career from his perspective, learn more about his difficulties through injury, and relive his journey as Met.
August 30, 2021
I found this book to be very insightful. It really delves in to David Wright's psyche and his work ethic. Also has a lot if behind the scene details about life as a New York Met.
Read
January 12, 2021O Captain! my Captain! our fearful trip is done,
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is [still not won and I blame Daniel Murphy]
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Because he has Spinal Stenosis.
The ship has weather’d every rack, the prize we sought is [still not won and I blame Daniel Murphy]
The port is near, the bells I hear, the people all exulting,
While follow eyes the steady keel, the vessel grim and daring;
But O heart! heart! heart!
O the bleeding drops of red,
Where on the deck my Captain lies,
Because he has Spinal Stenosis.
May 5, 2025
Just what I hoped it would be. David Wright comes across in this book just as the type of man you probably imagined him being: a humble role model and a person who always was motivated to try to show people that their faith in him was not misplaced.
Unlike R.A. Dickey’s book that left me feeling a little less of him, this one galvanized my already positive opinion.
The only bummer was that I wish he did the audiobook performance himself.
Unlike R.A. Dickey’s book that left me feeling a little less of him, this one galvanized my already positive opinion.
The only bummer was that I wish he did the audiobook performance himself.
April 20, 2022
So happy to have been there for Captain Wright's last game. What an incredible player. #LGM
November 5, 2025
An amazing inside peek to one of the greatest Mets players of all time.
October 25, 2020
To quote John Greenleaf Whittier, “For all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’”
This sums up the career of David Wright, the best third baseman --- if not overall player --- in the history of the New York Mets, who was forced to retire in 2018 at the age of 35 because of injuries. These disappointments account for a fair portion of THE CAPTAIN --- he was just the fourth member of the team to be given that honor --- which is almost a throwback to the player memoirs of the pre-BALL FOUR era.
Wright was raised in a household where he learned the values of hard work and respect for the game, which he maintained even after becoming a star. We have a clean-cut, respectful young man who wants nothing more than to do his best for his team and family.
Is Wright just too good to be true? His story reminded me of a scene in the classic baseball movie The Pride of the Yankees. A newspaperman who is doubling as Lou Gehrig’s mentor and confidant is arguing with a cynical rival scribe about his charge’s qualities.
“He’s a boob with a batting eye,” says the skeptic. “He wakes up, brushes his teeth, hikes out to the ballpark, hits the ball, hikes back to the hotel room, reads the funny papers, gargles and goes to bed.” Gehrig’s defender replies that that’s the best kind of hero. The way THE CAPTAIN reads, there are a number of parallels. There are no gossipy tales, no scandals, no drugs, no cursing (I can’t recall even one “damn”).
I googled some of the events that Wright recalls in the book. One video stood out: A teenager, who was born with a deformity that necessitated the amputation of both legs, serves as a role model for young people in similar circumstances, offering encouragement and advice. He is also an ardent Mets fan and is invited to take a private tour of Citi Field. It just so happens that Wright, his favorite player, was waiting to surprise him with a personal meet-and-greet. That heartwarming moment doesn’t appear in THE CAPTAIN, because Wright is just that modest.
Another video captured the defensive play that led to Wright’s downward spiral due to several injuries, the most severe of which was the diagnosis of spinal stenosis. Years of rehab and workouts ultimately proved fruitless, and he made the difficult decision to leave the game he loved since he was a toddler.
According to Baseball-Reference.com, Wright averaged 26 home runs, 99 runs batted in, 20 stolen bases and a .296/.376/.491 batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage over a 162-game season for his 13-year career, finishing in the top 10 in almost every offensive category for the Mets. Extrapolate those numbers and remember that he missed most of three seasons prior to his retirement, and his last productive year came as a 31-year-old in 2014 (and even that was off his high standards), and it does make an interesting argument regarding his qualifications for Cooperstown.
People can argue if he could have enjoyed a Hall of Fame career, but when it comes to the “Good Guy Hall of Fame,” Wright is a shoe-in.
Reviewed by Ron Kaplan
This sums up the career of David Wright, the best third baseman --- if not overall player --- in the history of the New York Mets, who was forced to retire in 2018 at the age of 35 because of injuries. These disappointments account for a fair portion of THE CAPTAIN --- he was just the fourth member of the team to be given that honor --- which is almost a throwback to the player memoirs of the pre-BALL FOUR era.
Wright was raised in a household where he learned the values of hard work and respect for the game, which he maintained even after becoming a star. We have a clean-cut, respectful young man who wants nothing more than to do his best for his team and family.
Is Wright just too good to be true? His story reminded me of a scene in the classic baseball movie The Pride of the Yankees. A newspaperman who is doubling as Lou Gehrig’s mentor and confidant is arguing with a cynical rival scribe about his charge’s qualities.
“He’s a boob with a batting eye,” says the skeptic. “He wakes up, brushes his teeth, hikes out to the ballpark, hits the ball, hikes back to the hotel room, reads the funny papers, gargles and goes to bed.” Gehrig’s defender replies that that’s the best kind of hero. The way THE CAPTAIN reads, there are a number of parallels. There are no gossipy tales, no scandals, no drugs, no cursing (I can’t recall even one “damn”).
I googled some of the events that Wright recalls in the book. One video stood out: A teenager, who was born with a deformity that necessitated the amputation of both legs, serves as a role model for young people in similar circumstances, offering encouragement and advice. He is also an ardent Mets fan and is invited to take a private tour of Citi Field. It just so happens that Wright, his favorite player, was waiting to surprise him with a personal meet-and-greet. That heartwarming moment doesn’t appear in THE CAPTAIN, because Wright is just that modest.
Another video captured the defensive play that led to Wright’s downward spiral due to several injuries, the most severe of which was the diagnosis of spinal stenosis. Years of rehab and workouts ultimately proved fruitless, and he made the difficult decision to leave the game he loved since he was a toddler.
According to Baseball-Reference.com, Wright averaged 26 home runs, 99 runs batted in, 20 stolen bases and a .296/.376/.491 batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage over a 162-game season for his 13-year career, finishing in the top 10 in almost every offensive category for the Mets. Extrapolate those numbers and remember that he missed most of three seasons prior to his retirement, and his last productive year came as a 31-year-old in 2014 (and even that was off his high standards), and it does make an interesting argument regarding his qualifications for Cooperstown.
People can argue if he could have enjoyed a Hall of Fame career, but when it comes to the “Good Guy Hall of Fame,” Wright is a shoe-in.
Reviewed by Ron Kaplan
January 24, 2022
This book is a must read for any true baseball fan. In his memoir, David Wright gives us an intimate look into his life and career with openness, self reflection and humor. It is a testament and tribute to his strong support system (family, coaches and mentors), his incredible work ethic and his dedication to always try to do the right thing. He was obviously raised with a solid sense of community as well as a love of baseball and throughout his career he exemplified all these values.
Being a baseball parent myself, I could relate to his early years in little league, AAU and high school including the endless tournaments and showcases and year round 'travel ball'. We spent years doing all of that with my youngest son who eventually got selected to play college baseball. In subsequent chapters he describes his experience of selecting colleges and then being drafted, the excitement of playing minor league ball in front of his hometown crowd in Virginia and the bonds and lifetime friendships that he made. During his years in the majors he relives "the good, the bad, the ugly, the wins, the losses, the laughs, the tears". He reflects on the many memorable moments of his career and offers up behind the scenes bits both touching and funny. He shows the human side of baseball especially in how he dealt with and came to accept his career ending injuries.
The one thing that especially stands out about David Wright is his graciousness towards the fans. I can personally vouch for that. In 2016 my husband and I along with some friends flew down to Vegas for a preseason Mets - Cubs exhibition series at Cashman Field. As luck would have it the Mets were staying at our hotel (Mandalay Bay). There were some other Mets fans staying there who knew where the bus dropped off the team at the hotel after the games. We waited for the team and as they got off the bus only a few of the players came over to us to say thanks and sign autographs. The only big name player who did was David Wright. He signed a baseball for me. That baseball turned out to be a special gift the following year for our friend Marco in Italy who helped my son play baseball in Torino and whose favorite team is the Mets and favorite player is David Wright. I'm sure it is still proudly on display in his home in Italy.
I highly recommend this book.
LGM!
img src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BtbT..."
Being a baseball parent myself, I could relate to his early years in little league, AAU and high school including the endless tournaments and showcases and year round 'travel ball'. We spent years doing all of that with my youngest son who eventually got selected to play college baseball. In subsequent chapters he describes his experience of selecting colleges and then being drafted, the excitement of playing minor league ball in front of his hometown crowd in Virginia and the bonds and lifetime friendships that he made. During his years in the majors he relives "the good, the bad, the ugly, the wins, the losses, the laughs, the tears". He reflects on the many memorable moments of his career and offers up behind the scenes bits both touching and funny. He shows the human side of baseball especially in how he dealt with and came to accept his career ending injuries.
The one thing that especially stands out about David Wright is his graciousness towards the fans. I can personally vouch for that. In 2016 my husband and I along with some friends flew down to Vegas for a preseason Mets - Cubs exhibition series at Cashman Field. As luck would have it the Mets were staying at our hotel (Mandalay Bay). There were some other Mets fans staying there who knew where the bus dropped off the team at the hotel after the games. We waited for the team and as they got off the bus only a few of the players came over to us to say thanks and sign autographs. The only big name player who did was David Wright. He signed a baseball for me. That baseball turned out to be a special gift the following year for our friend Marco in Italy who helped my son play baseball in Torino and whose favorite team is the Mets and favorite player is David Wright. I'm sure it is still proudly on display in his home in Italy.
I highly recommend this book.
LGM!
img src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BtbT..."
December 18, 2020
Love this guy. Absolute class act. Was such a fan of his growing up, and he's a huge part of the reason why I love baseball and the Mets so much. Reading this made me so emotional. I was already devastated about the 2015 World Series, but just knowing how much David Wright wanted it and wanted it with the Mets broke my heart all over again. Absolutely loved reading this. Honestly, he seems like such a genuine guy who really loved the game. Love ya, David!!! You'll always be so special to me. <3
December 15, 2020
As a life time Mets fan I enjoyed this book. I grew up in NJ about 15 miles outside of NYC. I was about 11 years old when the Mets came into being. Being a Yankee fan would have been the natural path with Mickey Mantle, etc. However Casey Stengel attracted me to the Mets. Who was this "crazy guy". Then of course Tom Terrific hooked me.
David Wright is a class guy. He deserved to be Captain. The book tells the story of his baseball journey. I was fortunate enough to be there for his last night on the field.
Thanks for the memories Captain. LETS GO METS
David Wright is a class guy. He deserved to be Captain. The book tells the story of his baseball journey. I was fortunate enough to be there for his last night on the field.
Thanks for the memories Captain. LETS GO METS
February 11, 2022
As a Met fan technically since there were Mets (I was 2 yrs old) listening to or watching a game as I sat with my Dad whenever possible, I loved the book. However, like many Met fans and followers I just love baseball period. Even if you aren't a Met fan, read the book! The insight to many moments I was familiar with gave a depth of better understanding that I didn't have before, and the book is just written well.
"Being a Met fan isn't easy," is what my wife says. She's quit correct, as she is on most issues. But, being a David Wright fan is and always has been. The man is class, the man is an excellent example of what a real professional is, and should be. David helped me make true Met fans out of my wife and daughters, we all love and follow the Mets. Cheering when they do well or shaking our heads when they do something stupid.
This book was an easy read and more importantly an enjoyable one. Damn it though, David and Anthony even got a tear or two in my eyes! I thank my daughter Emily, who gave me this book as a Christmas present. I'm proud to say I own a copy. Read the book, you'll enjoy it even if you aren't a Met fan.
"Being a Met fan isn't easy," is what my wife says. She's quit correct, as she is on most issues. But, being a David Wright fan is and always has been. The man is class, the man is an excellent example of what a real professional is, and should be. David helped me make true Met fans out of my wife and daughters, we all love and follow the Mets. Cheering when they do well or shaking our heads when they do something stupid.
This book was an easy read and more importantly an enjoyable one. Damn it though, David and Anthony even got a tear or two in my eyes! I thank my daughter Emily, who gave me this book as a Christmas present. I'm proud to say I own a copy. Read the book, you'll enjoy it even if you aren't a Met fan.
February 21, 2021
Reading this book was bitter sweet for this Mets fan. Bitter because it was hard reliving some of the Teams' could haves and sweet to review his career history. If you're looking for some kind of tell-all book, this isn't it. It's a memoir authentically written in his voice. David recounts his love for and journey with baseball from the time he first learned to throw a ball to his finals days with the Mets. It made me smile, laugh, and even ugly cry at least 3 times. I cried because I was reliving all of the special moments I've had as a Mets fan, how I felt when I learned about his health, and the last night he played. As someone who also has a spinal issue I have a new found appreciation for him and all that he pushed through. He also gave a quick mention of the The7Line Army. LFGM! 😊 All in all it's a nice quick read.
March 16, 2022
Somewhere between a 3 and a 3.5. Mets fans will enjoy this, but other than insight into Wright’s *insanely difficult* rehab after being diagnosed with spinal stenosis, it feels like short reflections on his career highlights. Yes, he’s a very positive guy no doubt, but this also felt a bit like humble bragging and not in a good way? It’s difficult to explain. Good Mets read, non-Mets fans might enjoy it, but I think there are more interesting and introspective Mets books out there (see Ron Darling’s books).
ETA: I also did not like the (clearly joking?) jab at deGrom’s education. But again, that’s me.
ETA: I also did not like the (clearly joking?) jab at deGrom’s education. But again, that’s me.
November 10, 2020
Congratulations to David and Anthony for a wonderful book about David's life and reaching his lifelong goal to play professional baseball with the New York Mets!! While it was very sad to read, I appreciated David's honesty to describe all of the pain he endured and extensive rehabilitative work due to all of the injuries he suffered later in his career. It was so enjoyable to read about his return to the Mets in 2015 and reaching the World Series! A great book for any baseball fan and especially for a Met fan!
October 24, 2020
Favorite player on my favorite team, so I'm just a bit biased. Fun walk down memory lane of the past couple decades in Mets baseball. Interesting to hear David's insights and the things that shaped his development. No shocking revelations here -- same consummate professional he has always been. On a personal note, I deeply appreciated his adversarial relationship with the physical therapy exercise dead-bugs. I'm right there with you, David.
November 21, 2021
David Wright did everything right. Policeman's son, raised with the values of hard work and perseverance, spent his entire career with his favorite team, body broke down which ended his career, but now has wonderful family of his own. All very commendable but perhaps the most boring sports book I've ever read. Spills no beans on the steroid era, the influence of Madoff on the Mets franchise, the collapses and failures to win a World Series, ... For diehard David Wright fans only.
August 19, 2021
David Wright was a great player, but he is a terribly boring person.
November 22, 2020
Sometimes a star athlete has a juicy memoir that details all the drama they experienced (or caused) over the course of their decades-long career. Other times, a great player contributes a memoir that, while not exactly headline-grabbing in terms of details, is a good look inside the workings of a professional who happens to be very good at their job. This is definitely the latter with David Wright's memoir "The Captain."
Wright, who played his entire fourteen-year career with the New York Mets and retired in 2018 after injury-plagued seasons and a diagnosis of a rare spinal disease, isn't looking to burn bridges or destroy the locker room on his way out of Citi Field. He's merely here to tell us how a hardworking kid from Virginia managed to make it to the major leagues and become, over time, the rock upon which his team depended, playing third base and eventually being named team captain during his tenure with the Mets. He's a profoundly decent guy, as it turns out, with nary a skeleton except the occasional moments of hubris (such as his desire to hit more home runs, which led to a workout regime where he gained power but lost some natural ability to produce ground balls and doubles which are not as sexy as the long ball but incredibly important to winning games). Wright, who was too young for the 1986 team and even the "Subway Series" World Series of 2000 (when Roger Clemens infamously threw a shattered bat at Mike Piazza), was on the team during some hectic times and losing seasons that made the fan base frustrated, but he doesn't really tell us anything salacious about his teammates from that era. Wright is, perhaps, just a good dude who loved what he did.
I'm reminded in many ways of a biography of Brooks Robinson that I read a few years ago, where the author began his acknowledgements page by stating that he couldn't really find anything about the all-star infielder that would make the book "eye-opening" in terms of scandal. David Wright is also very lacking in that sort of drama, but sometimes a sports memoir doesn't have to show you where the bodies are buried if there are no bodies missing to begin with. This is a solid, reliable book by a solid, reliable player. Even as a non-Mets fan, I breezed through this with interest (I imagine diehard Mets fans will consume this even more rapidly than I did).
Wright, who played his entire fourteen-year career with the New York Mets and retired in 2018 after injury-plagued seasons and a diagnosis of a rare spinal disease, isn't looking to burn bridges or destroy the locker room on his way out of Citi Field. He's merely here to tell us how a hardworking kid from Virginia managed to make it to the major leagues and become, over time, the rock upon which his team depended, playing third base and eventually being named team captain during his tenure with the Mets. He's a profoundly decent guy, as it turns out, with nary a skeleton except the occasional moments of hubris (such as his desire to hit more home runs, which led to a workout regime where he gained power but lost some natural ability to produce ground balls and doubles which are not as sexy as the long ball but incredibly important to winning games). Wright, who was too young for the 1986 team and even the "Subway Series" World Series of 2000 (when Roger Clemens infamously threw a shattered bat at Mike Piazza), was on the team during some hectic times and losing seasons that made the fan base frustrated, but he doesn't really tell us anything salacious about his teammates from that era. Wright is, perhaps, just a good dude who loved what he did.
I'm reminded in many ways of a biography of Brooks Robinson that I read a few years ago, where the author began his acknowledgements page by stating that he couldn't really find anything about the all-star infielder that would make the book "eye-opening" in terms of scandal. David Wright is also very lacking in that sort of drama, but sometimes a sports memoir doesn't have to show you where the bodies are buried if there are no bodies missing to begin with. This is a solid, reliable book by a solid, reliable player. Even as a non-Mets fan, I breezed through this with interest (I imagine diehard Mets fans will consume this even more rapidly than I did).
February 21, 2021
David Wright’s memoir recounts his formative years in Norfolk, Virginia to his last season as a member of the New York Mets. Wright discusses some of the coaches and players who assisted his growth as a player and his career as a Met. His upbringing is written about and his experience as a minor leaguer is referred to as well. His career highlights include playing in All Star Games, home run derbies, the playoffs and one World Series.
Wright had a 26 game hitting streak during his career, and he won a Gold Glove for his excellent fielding. He started 12 straight opening days for the Mets. He developed good friendships with other Mets’ players as well as players from other teams. He appeared in the World Baseball Classic on the American team.
He recounts the ups and downs of his career. He had a good start of his career before the second part of his career was negatively effected by injuries. His injuries led to his retirement from baseball. Even after his injuries, he courageously tried to continue his career.
Wright grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, the home town of the Tidewater Mets, who were the triple A affiliate of the New York Mets. He grew up a fan of both the Tidewater Mets and the New York Mets. He was able to play for his hometown team when he was in the minor leagues. Then he played for his favorite major league team, the New York Mets. He was also glad that he spent his whole career with the New York Mets. His loyalty to the Mets was genuine.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in baseball or the New York Mets. Wright does a good job of describing his career highlights and his experience as a Major League Baseball player. The book is well written and organized.
Wright had a 26 game hitting streak during his career, and he won a Gold Glove for his excellent fielding. He started 12 straight opening days for the Mets. He developed good friendships with other Mets’ players as well as players from other teams. He appeared in the World Baseball Classic on the American team.
He recounts the ups and downs of his career. He had a good start of his career before the second part of his career was negatively effected by injuries. His injuries led to his retirement from baseball. Even after his injuries, he courageously tried to continue his career.
Wright grew up in Norfolk, Virginia, the home town of the Tidewater Mets, who were the triple A affiliate of the New York Mets. He grew up a fan of both the Tidewater Mets and the New York Mets. He was able to play for his hometown team when he was in the minor leagues. Then he played for his favorite major league team, the New York Mets. He was also glad that he spent his whole career with the New York Mets. His loyalty to the Mets was genuine.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in baseball or the New York Mets. Wright does a good job of describing his career highlights and his experience as a Major League Baseball player. The book is well written and organized.
February 20, 2021
For the past 20-odd years, most New York baseball superstars came out of the Bronx (Yankees). David Wright, however, was one of the few who plied his trade in Queens (Mets). This memoir does a solid job of recapping that career, as well as the events that both precipitated and ended it.
As someone who very much remembers the seasons in which Wright was a legitimate "face of baseball"-type superstar, "The Captain" was both a fun and nostalgic read. His early-career Mets playoff appearance, followed by the improbable late-season collapse years, participation in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA, and 2015 World Series appearance are all covered here.
Perhaps most notable are the sections leading up to and tailing off from his major league career. Wright came up with a sort of cadre of other Virginia-bred stars (he had a strong connection to Michael Cuddyer, for instance) who all hit the majors in the mid-2000s together. Then, as his career ended in the mid-2010s, I had no idea the breadth or severity of injuries (including a spinal stenosis diagnosis) that ultimately forced his exit.
The only reason I can't give this book the full 5 stars is because it indulges in what I felt to be some pretty heavy-handed personal narrative-shaping at times. I grew a bit wary of how many times Wright felt the need to extoll his wholesomeness or "playing the game the right way". Perhaps he truly was an impeccably clean-living, choir-boy type player/individual, but more likely is that any material that didn't fit such a narrative was simply excised.
Overall, though, "The Captain" was a fun read for a baseball nostalgic such as myself. I blew through it in short order, remembering some of the iconic baseball moments that Wright was involved with.
As someone who very much remembers the seasons in which Wright was a legitimate "face of baseball"-type superstar, "The Captain" was both a fun and nostalgic read. His early-career Mets playoff appearance, followed by the improbable late-season collapse years, participation in the World Baseball Classic for Team USA, and 2015 World Series appearance are all covered here.
Perhaps most notable are the sections leading up to and tailing off from his major league career. Wright came up with a sort of cadre of other Virginia-bred stars (he had a strong connection to Michael Cuddyer, for instance) who all hit the majors in the mid-2000s together. Then, as his career ended in the mid-2010s, I had no idea the breadth or severity of injuries (including a spinal stenosis diagnosis) that ultimately forced his exit.
The only reason I can't give this book the full 5 stars is because it indulges in what I felt to be some pretty heavy-handed personal narrative-shaping at times. I grew a bit wary of how many times Wright felt the need to extoll his wholesomeness or "playing the game the right way". Perhaps he truly was an impeccably clean-living, choir-boy type player/individual, but more likely is that any material that didn't fit such a narrative was simply excised.
Overall, though, "The Captain" was a fun read for a baseball nostalgic such as myself. I blew through it in short order, remembering some of the iconic baseball moments that Wright was involved with.
October 28, 2020
An unfortunate fact about reading a really good memoir or biography of someone I admire is that I almost always finish the book thinking a little bit less of the person. Sometimes this is because they reveal too much of their failings and weaknesses. Sometimes it's because the abundance of detail strips away a little of the mystery.
Fortunately, this is not a great memoir. Instead, it's pretty much the book you would expect from David Wright, a guy who has has spent the 21st century building a reputation as a committed professional athlete, an athlete so focused he embodies the nausea-inducing cliche of "playing the game the right way."
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. I'm glad David doesn't reveal himself to be a jerk. I'm glad he wrote a book that is full of positive examples of disciplined work ethic and a healthy perspective on life.
But most of the anecdotes in this book--at least the ones that took place after his debut with the Mets-- are the ones that fans already witnessed through other forms of media. The triumphs and failures on the field, the endless rehab stints, the trashing of Noah Syndergaard's lunch. (Actually, the remorse that he expresses over the lunch incident becoming public was one of the more interesting parts of the book, which gives you an idea of how completely devoid of scandal the rest of it is.)
I guess in the end I'm happy to have read the book just to reassure myself that my favorite Met doesn't have a lot of skeletons or dirty laundry. Or if he does, he's smart enough to leave all of that stuff hidden.
Fortunately, this is not a great memoir. Instead, it's pretty much the book you would expect from David Wright, a guy who has has spent the 21st century building a reputation as a committed professional athlete, an athlete so focused he embodies the nausea-inducing cliche of "playing the game the right way."
That's not to say I didn't enjoy the book. I'm glad David doesn't reveal himself to be a jerk. I'm glad he wrote a book that is full of positive examples of disciplined work ethic and a healthy perspective on life.
But most of the anecdotes in this book--at least the ones that took place after his debut with the Mets-- are the ones that fans already witnessed through other forms of media. The triumphs and failures on the field, the endless rehab stints, the trashing of Noah Syndergaard's lunch. (Actually, the remorse that he expresses over the lunch incident becoming public was one of the more interesting parts of the book, which gives you an idea of how completely devoid of scandal the rest of it is.)
I guess in the end I'm happy to have read the book just to reassure myself that my favorite Met doesn't have a lot of skeletons or dirty laundry. Or if he does, he's smart enough to leave all of that stuff hidden.
May 18, 2021
If you’re a Mets superfan (as I am), you will certainly enjoy this autobiography of the last man to serve as team captain (hence the title). It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn lots of sweet and tender details of David Wright’s life as a fortunate son of tough but supportive parents who endured some struggles as a young player but, through hard work and perseverance, was able to play his entire professional baseball career as a member of the New York Mets, the only team he ever wanted to play for. If you’re a Mets fan at all, you know how Wright’s career ended—spinal stenosis doomed him to retire before he was ready, and though he fulfilled a lifelong dream by appearing in the World Series (2015), he fell just short of the brass ring when the Mets lost to the Royals.
Through it all, Wright maintained his admirable work ethic, his magnanimity, and his love for the game. He loves baseball, he loves the Mets, he loves his family, and he’s incredibly grateful for the opportunities and the privileges that all those things have brought him. He’s modest and proud in equal measure, and he’s just so darn sweet and wholesome that you’re dying to discover just one shameful or less-than-perfect aspect of his character, but there are no deep, dark secrets in this man’s soul. If you’re looking for stunning revelations or an exposé of some sort, you won’t find it in the pages of this book. However, if you’re looking for an easy read about one of the most admirable men to ever don a Mets uniform, you’ll find it right here. It might even bring a tear or two to your eye.
Through it all, Wright maintained his admirable work ethic, his magnanimity, and his love for the game. He loves baseball, he loves the Mets, he loves his family, and he’s incredibly grateful for the opportunities and the privileges that all those things have brought him. He’s modest and proud in equal measure, and he’s just so darn sweet and wholesome that you’re dying to discover just one shameful or less-than-perfect aspect of his character, but there are no deep, dark secrets in this man’s soul. If you’re looking for stunning revelations or an exposé of some sort, you won’t find it in the pages of this book. However, if you’re looking for an easy read about one of the most admirable men to ever don a Mets uniform, you’ll find it right here. It might even bring a tear or two to your eye.
May 20, 2021
Review of THE CAPTAIN
This book is exactly what the title says it's a memoir. It describes David's upbringing and how much baseball was a fabric of his life. It goes in depth with his career with the New York Mets organization . It describes many of his most memorable at bats in great depth. It describes how his upbringing affected his baseball career. How his blue-collar mentality defined how he played the game.
The book is written in very down to earth style. It comes across effectively as if David is speaking to the audience. David played the game never thinking he was a superstar, just a ' regular Joe '.
The only drawback I had was he never admitted to the reader his mistakes. He glossed over any mistake especially from 2016 to 2018 when the 'spinal stenosis ' dramatically affected his playing the game.
Overall a great read, that was informative to us fans who loved him as well as the Mets.
This book is exactly what the title says it's a memoir. It describes David's upbringing and how much baseball was a fabric of his life. It goes in depth with his career with the New York Mets organization . It describes many of his most memorable at bats in great depth. It describes how his upbringing affected his baseball career. How his blue-collar mentality defined how he played the game.
The book is written in very down to earth style. It comes across effectively as if David is speaking to the audience. David played the game never thinking he was a superstar, just a ' regular Joe '.
The only drawback I had was he never admitted to the reader his mistakes. He glossed over any mistake especially from 2016 to 2018 when the 'spinal stenosis ' dramatically affected his playing the game.
Overall a great read, that was informative to us fans who loved him as well as the Mets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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