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David Wright Sure Is Swell, By Golly

Johnny Dickshot Feb 08 2007 09:49 AM

I sure like his game, but David Wright the Media Idol makes me wanna hurl. Not because he's res[pectful of the president but because he's respectful of everybody. Nobody in their 20s is that well-adjusted and happy. He has to be a fraud. ] DINNER WITH DUBYA By KEVIN KERNAN February 8, 2007 -- DAVID Wright knows he is living the dream, but nothing off the field can compare with this past Monday night when Wright was quietly invited to the White House to have dinner with President Bush. "You talk about all the off-the-field perks I've had," Wright said yesterday from the Mets spring training complex in Port St. Lucie, "this one tops them all. I had goose bumps all night." The Mets All-Star third baseman was invited to a "baseball dinner" along with San Diego's Trevor Hoffman, Toronto's Vernon Wells, Cubs manager Lou Piniella, broadcaster Tim McCarver and journalist George Will. Will, a baseball zealot, has helped the president organize such dinners in the past and reached out to Omar Minaya, who worked for the Rangers when Bush was the managing general partner of the club. Minaya suggested Wright be invited, along with Julio Franco, who could not attend because of a family illness. About a month ago, Wright was quietly given a verbal invite. Each person was allowed to bring one guest. McCarver was there with a friend. The others took their wives. Since Wright is not married, he brought along his father Rhon, a history buff. "My father has met some famous people, but I've never seen him in awe like this," Wright said. "His jaw dropped when he met the president." This was not some quick photo op. This was a relaxed dinner, followed by a presidential tour of the Oval Office - three hours of the ultimate American experience. Wright and his father loved every minute of it. "To have dinner in the White House, with the First Lady to my right and sitting across from the president, the leader of the free world, it was a once in a lifetime experience," David said with pride. "I'm just so happy I was able to bring my father." Rhon, assistant chief of the Norfolk, Va., police department, said, "it was an amazing night. The president was extremely gracious." Most of the talk centered on baseball and history. "The president had something in common with David," Rhon said. "They talked about working out, strength and conditioning, that sort of thing." "The president was so approachable and knew everything that's going on with the Mets," David said. "The man definitely knows his baseball." After having dinner on the second floor, the president took the time to show his guests the Resolute presidential desk, which was first used by Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880, and all the different items from past presidents adorning the desk. "He explained how Ronald Reagan had to have the desk raised two inches because of his height," Rhon said. "To have the president walk you around and show you all the paintings - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan - it was unbelievable," David said. "You're almost floored just walking into the White House, knowing you're in a place where so many important decisions are made," added David, who recently turned 24. "It was surreal. I got the chance to walk in the same footsteps of all those great people." Having Piniella in the group paid dividends. "He had so many funny stories," Rhon said. "And he can tell a story." Noted David, "I was genuinely touched by how warm and inviting President Bush and his wife were. Knowing how busy the president is, for him to spend that much time with us was really something special." Wright bought a couple baseballs for the president to autograph and got some parting gifts for his brothers, including pins and golf balls embossed with the presidential seal. Another highlight was that the guests passed around their dinner menus - the main course was roasted lamb - for each to sign. Each guest was able to take that autographed menu home. David also had his picture taken with the president by the White House photographer. Once he gets that picture he said he would put it in a special place. "Just to think that someday I'll be able to show that picture to my kids and my grandkids and tell them about what an incredible night it was," Wright said. It is a presidential tradition that championship teams visit the White House. "With spring training starting, it's time to get to work and, hopefully," Wright said, "I can go back to the White House after the season with all the Mets." That would mean his baseball dreams have come true, as well.

Yancy Street Gang Feb 08 2007 09:53 AM

As I've said many times before, he's our Cal Ripken.

metirish Feb 08 2007 09:58 AM

] Noted David, "I was genuinely touched by how warm and inviting President Bush and his wife were. Knowing how busy the president is, for him to spend that much time with us was really something special." Oh he's busy alright David...I'd never thought of that Yancy(missed it when you mentioned that before),but that's a good comparison,must be kinda cool to be Wright.

Edgy DC Feb 08 2007 10:04 AM

Well, he's going to get Hell for stuff like that photo spread if he runs into any real people. And so the cost of doing such embarrassing stuff is often avoiding real people, and becoming less of one yourself. I worry that the Mets are going to miss Floyd in this way. With luck, Upton and Zimmerman and his other offseason workout buds rode him mercilessly.

metirish Feb 08 2007 10:09 AM

I think when the President invites you to dinner you say yes,of course I'm sure Omar didn't think of Delgado when asked.

MFS62 Feb 08 2007 10:11 AM

Which reminds me of several stories I've read about how much Dubya really wanted to be Commissioner of Baseball. Maybe when he and Selig both retire from their current positions? I wonder if during the tour of the Oval Office, they were shown the Monica Lewinski Memorial Spot spot? Later

metirish Feb 08 2007 10:34 AM

In the words of Dickshot,I'd much rather Bush fuck up the world than fuck up baseball....

attgig Feb 08 2007 10:39 AM Re: David Wright Sure Is Swell, By Golly

Johnny Dickshot wrote: Nobody in their 20s is that well-adjusted and happy. He has to be a fraud. he's 24, lives in ny, single, good looking, makes millions, and "works" hard at playing baseball ... if that doesn't make someone happy, i don't know what will. now, once he gets married... he'll probably start geting a little crabby :-P

seawolf17 Feb 08 2007 10:53 AM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: As I've said many times before, he's our Cal Ripken. Sign him to an extension on his extension NOW!!

SteveJRogers Feb 08 2007 11:38 AM

Yancy Street Gang wrote: As I've said many times before, he's our Cal Ripken. I would use another SS for the comparision, but I think A) I've gotten too much flack for that kind of talk and B) there is evidence to the contrary =;) In all seriousness, that seems to be a very fair comparision. We probably haven't had this kind of "model citizen" come up like this to be such a mega star since a fellow named Tom some 40 years ago now

soupcan Feb 08 2007 11:41 AM

="SteveJRogers"]We probably haven't had this kind of "model citizen" come up like this to be such a mega star since a fellow named Tom some 40 years ago now And we all think he's a dick now, so there's hope for Wright.

A Boy Named Seo Feb 08 2007 01:05 PM

"To have the president walk you around and show you all the paintings - George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan - it was unbelievable," David said. That was hilarious. Positively Colbertian.