David Wright (baseball player)

David Allen Wright (born December 20, 1982 in Norfolk, Virginia) is a Major League Baseball third baseman who has played for the New York Mets since 2004.

Related Topics:
December 20 - 1982 - Norfolk - Virginia - Major League Baseball - Third baseman - New York Mets

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Wright was a star player at Hickory High School in Chesapeake, Virginia. He was named to the Virginia all-state team in 1999, 2000 and 2001. In 2001, he was chosen as the Gatorade Virginia High School Player of the Year.

Related Topics:
Chesapeake, Virginia - 1999 - 2000 - 2001

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Wright was selected by the Mets in the first round of the 2001 amateur draft, the 38th overall pick. He progressed steadily in his first three years of minor league play, winning the Sterling award for best player on his St. Lucie Mets team in 2003. In 2004 he rocketed from AA to AAA to the major leagues in the first half of the season. He made his major league debut on July 21, 2004 against the Montreal Expos. Since then, he has been the Mets regular starting third baseman.

Related Topics:
St. Lucie Mets - 2004 - July 21

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In conversations with the press, Wright has expressed his admiration for the skills of third baseman Scott Rolen. Like Rolen, Wright's early big league career has been marked by exceptional hitting. During his first season, he showed he could hit for average and power with a .293 batting average, 14 home runs and 40 RBI in 263 at bats in 69 games. He also displayed some speed by stealing six bases. However, like many young infielders, Wright has had difficulties with his fielding.

Related Topics:
Scott Rolen - Batting average - Home runs - RBI

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Wright is also noted for his unaffected politeness and outstanding work ethic. He has developed a reputation for arriving very early to the park for games and being uncommonly accommodating with fans and reporters.

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Wright is single and resides in Chesapeake, Virginia during the offseason. While with the Mets, he lives in Manhattan.

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Wright batted .306 with 27 home runs, 102 RBI, 42 doubles, and 17 SB during 2005.

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