David Wright's recovery from neck surgery is going well. Campers at Coleman Country Day Camp in Freeport, N.Y., made it a point to ask.
Curious campers of all ages asked the Mets captain questions Monday morning, ranging from his shoe size (11) to his favorite Disney movie ("The Incredibles"). But several concerned young fans asked Wright about his neck injury, which has sidelined him for all but 37 games this season.
"I'm moving around and feeling a lot better than I did," he explained to one camper. "So hopefully I'm back next year. That's what my goal is."
Wright had surgery on June 16 for a herniated disc in his neck, and the surgery entailed inserting screws and a metal rod in his spine. He said his six-week checkup with the doctor showed positive signs, although he still doesn't have the range of motion he did prior to the procedure.
Patience is key for Wright in this instance, as doing too much too soon will hamper his rehab. The full recovery takes three or four months, and he said his next "landmark" checkups will come at three and six months.
"Now it's just a matter of being patient and allowing the screws and the plate to take place and really fusing together so hopefully there are no more problems in the future," he told reporters.
Playing next season is Wright's hope, and he said watching the Mets struggle to find consistency this summer has been difficult to watch. He can't help the team on the field as captain, so he has focused his energy on acting on the other responsibilities of his role.
"It's definitely tough to sit back and watch the team, especially when we're struggling because that's when you feel like you could go out there and really make a difference," he said. "I'm trying to help in other ways, whether it's in the clubhouse or being around to answer questions for some of the newer guys or some of the younger guys."
Wright and his wife, Molly, just welcomed their first child, Olivia Shea, on July 23 and he said that the new baby has occupied much of his time. Still, he took the time to talk to young campers about how to succeed in sports and life.
"Hopefully you guys are the next wave of Mets," said Wright, who will be 34 next season. "You know, I'm done in a couple of years, so hopefully you guys can come take my position and play third base for the New York Mets."
