NEW YORK -- All told, the Mets' National League championship rings tipped the scales at 2.75 carats, including 110 diamonds and 42 round sapphires shaped into an NY logo. Privately and without much pomp or circumstance, the Mets received them Thursday in a "small, intimate" clubhouse gathering at Citi Field.
"All of us will wear that proudly," third baseman David Wright said. "But at the same time, it's time to move on. After we get the rings, it's officially last year. We need to start worrying about this year."
While second-place rings have become a trend in baseball, the Mets are not willing to consider theirs much more than a reminder that last year's club left plenty unaccomplished. Still, they did take one last moment Thursday, on the eve of their home opener, to bask in their achievements.
"Obviously, we could spend all day reflecting on the success that we had last year and the run and how much fun we had on the baseball field," Wright said. "But I think the flip side of that is it gives you a little motivation. That second-place ring is not what anybody in here wants. It's that first-place ring. So I think it reminds you that you're still working for that."
With the exception of Daniel Murphy, Jonathon Niese and other departed former teammates, nearly every member of the 2015 Mets was on hand for the ceremony, which included team owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon. Even retired outfielder Michael Cuddyer flew in for the occasion, weighing 25 pounds less than he did in October.
Or, rather, 25 pounds minus 2.75 carats.
"Not really mixed emotions," Cuddyer said of returning to Citi Field. "I was happy. I wasn't sad. I wasn't bitter. I wasn't mad that I'm not playing tomorrow. I was happy to see the guys and happy to talk with them, hang out with them. And obviously happy to get the ring. It's gorgeous."