David Peterson Reflects on Career and Recent Achievements
David Peterson, who pitched for Single A St. Lucy in 2018, had his first full professional season and was also attempting a comeback. During this time, he learned a lot about determination from David Wright, particularly through their rehabilitation interactions.
Peterson recalls a specific moment in Clearwater, Florida, where he noticed the ballpark lights and struggled with his hips due to spinal stenosis. “He spent four hours getting ready to play just three innings in a rehab game,” Peterson shared. “I have a lot of respect for him. It’s inspiring to witness his dedication.”
On Saturday, the Mets honored Wright by officially retiring his No. 5 jersey. This places Wright among Mets legends like Tom Seaver, Mike Piazza, and Dwight Gooden.
As one of the current Mets players, Peterson appreciates the lasting impact Wright has had on the organization. “He’s someone I look up to. You can really feel his presence and the standards he exemplifies,” he said. “It’s wonderful to celebrate the people like him who shape this franchise.”
Peterson’s week was quite notable, representing the National League at the All-Star Game, where he pitched a scoreless inning in a 7-6 victory decided by a home run contest.
Ahead of a Sunday matchup against the Reds, Peterson called the All-Star experience “amazing,” especially since he could share it with teammates like Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso.
It’s clear that Peterson’s value within the organization has risen significantly. Once viewed as a spare part, he has evolved into a key player, pitching regularly every five to six days.
Since returning from hip surgery in May 2024, he has consistently performed well. As of Sunday, he leads the team with 109 innings pitched and boasts a 3.06 ERA.
“I always believed in what I could achieve,” Peterson reflected. “There was some early frustration, as I knew mentally I could push through, but physically, I was often limited by discomfort. It was a long road.”
He added, “If we could address some of these physical issues, I knew I could show what I was capable of. Addressing those matters has been incredibly helpful.”
