David Wright Gives Jose Reyes A Touching Parting Gift

by Tim Reilly September 25, 2018

All eyes are on the clock as time quickly ticks away at David Wright’s career. When the Mets returned home to begin their final homestand of the season on Tuesday, Wright gave his long-time companion Jose Reyes a parting gift.

You’re a brother and a friend. We have been through it all together and I can’t think of a better person and player to have done it with. Much love always! pic.twitter.com/fLwupknj40
— Jose Reyes (@lamelaza_7) September 25, 2018

I’m not crying, you’re crying.

Look, we’ve all shared our thoughts on Reyes’ play this season. To say it has been abysmal would be an understatement. Frankly, it’s mind-boggling that he lasted on the roster for this long given his season-long performance.

But, I’m willing to put everything aside on Saturday when Wright and Reyes take the field next to one another for one final time. Wright came up in ’04, a year after Reyes made his big-league debut. They were the talk of the town as the two helped turn the franchise around during a lull period after the Piazza-fueled World Series run in 2000. While their teams came up short in the big spot, it was a fun time to be a fan nonetheless thanks to the core of Wright, Reyes and Carlos Beltran.

From ’05-’08, there was no more exciting play in baseball than Reyes putting one in the gap and legging out a triple. “Joseeeee, Jose, Jose, Jose” was THE chant at Shea Stadium during those years. His smile was contagious, and you could see one on the face of every fan when that chant broke out. He was the spark plug that made those teams go and Wright was the driving force that helped turn them into serious contenders. You would often see a Wright and Reyes jersey sitting next to each other. It was like every fan had a gameday counterpart, just like the real Wright and Reyes.

Reyes will not get a sendoff similar to Wright’s. Nor does he deserve one. He does, however, deserve to play one last game next to David Wright. Better yet, Wright deserves to pick who plays next to him for his final game, and he chose Reyes. Who are we to argue with the Captain’s wishes?

I would rather have seen just about anyone besides Reyes play every other game this season. With that being said, I’m hoping to see one last triple, hear a "Jose" chant echo throughout Citi Field and a moment of embracement between Wright and Reyes on Saturday.

Bring your tissues.