NEW YORK -- For the first time in 13 years, David Wright wandered up the first-base line during Opening Day introductions Monday, rather than waiting in the dugout alongside members of the starting lineup. Emcee Howie Rose introduced Wright to a thunderous ovation, adding a personal appeal that the third baseman return soon.
It was a warm, albeit frustrating moment for Wright, who missed Opening Day due to weakness in his shoulder. Later this week, Wright will return to Port St. Lucie, Fla., where he plans to begin a throwing program at some point this month.
"The next time I get up there, I want to be up there playing," Wright said of Citi Field. "Not watching."
Wright's presence at Citi Field highlighted a festive afternoon, which included loud ovations for most Mets players -- and even a few Braves.
New York City mayor Bill de Blasio was on hand in Flushing, as was the family of William Shea, the executive who helped bring National League Baseball back to New York in 1962. The Mets also observed a moment of silence to honor longtime SNY director Bill Webb, former manager Dallas Green, scout Harry Minor and MLB executive Katy Feeney, all of whom passed away this year.
One of the afternoon's largest ovations, of course, went to Bartolo Colon, a beloved Met from 2014-16 who signed with the Braves this past offseason. Colon, former Mets Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey and catcher Anthony Recker all received warm ovations from the crowd.

Following introductions, New York Police Department officer Makiah Brown sang the national anthem, and the MH-53E Sea Dragon helicopter flew overhead.
"When you get to be my age, where you are, it's a special day," Mets manager Terry Collins said earlier in the morning. "You never know how many more you're going to have, so I think this is a big day. For me, it's really the start of the summer. We get excited to compete. We get excited to start playing games. And today, we get to do what we love most."