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July 31, 2008 / Sports / Brooklyn Cyclones / Ups & Downs

David brings ‘Wright’ stuff to Keyspan

By Ed Shakespeare
for The Brooklyn Paper
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George Napolitano
Mets legend David Wright (center) got his first look at Keyspan Park with his teammates (and former Brooklyn Cyclone stars) Joe Smith (left) and Carlos Muniz (right) last week.

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David Wright and two former Cyclones — Carlos Muniz and Joe Smith — watched the Cyclones defeat Vermont at Keyspan Park on July 24.

The trio took in the night game after defeating the Phillies in a day game at Shea Stadium to move into first place in the National League East.

Brooklyn Bridge Realty

Wright, the All-Star third baseman, was in Brooklyn to see his childhood friend, Matt Smith, play shortstop for the Cyclones.

Muniz was a closer for the Cyclones in 2003 and 2004, and is now a Mets reliever, as is Joe Smith, who closed for the Cyclones in 2006.

But Wright wasn’t just a tourist — he was a motivational speaker, too.

“He wished us good luck and welcomed us to the Mets’ organization,” said Clones third baseman, Eric Campbell.

“He talked about what he does with two strikes. Simple stuff, but it helped a lot.”

Wright also offered the team advice about handling pressure situations.

“The thing he stressed is that [in a pressure at-bat] the pitcher’s the one in trouble,” said Campbell. “We just have to concentrate and not press.”

Cyclones manager Edgar Alonzo also appreciated Wright’s visit.

“That was good for the kids to spend some time with David. He told them about making the adjustments from high school or college to the pros,” said the Brooklyn skipper. “A visit from David Wright — that was big.”

It must have been. The Cyclones not only won the game 8–1, but rapped out eight hits, including a homer by J.R. Voyles.

Campbell, who appreciated the pre-game talk, was 4-for-4 with three RBIs.

And Wright’s pal, Matt Smith? He was 1-for-1 with three walks.

Wright may be a power hitter, but his visit apparently inspired starting pitcher Brad Holt, too (or maybe it was the presence of Cyclone legends Muniz and Smith): he struck out 14 batters in just six innings of two-hit, shutout ball.

Perhaps David Wright can stop by more often?

©2008 The Brooklyn Paper

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