Mets third baseman David Wright gets ready for batting practice...

Mets third baseman David Wright gets ready for batting practice during a spring training workout at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie, Fla. (Feb. 18, 2013) Credit: Newsday/Alejandra Villa

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- Former Mets captains Keith Hernandez and John Franco issued statements through the team Thursday after David Wright was appointed the fourth captain in franchise history:

Keith Hernandez

"Being named captain was a badge of honor. My life did not change that much. I just became a sounding board in certain situations. I have been around David long enough to know that he is the perfect guy to be the captain of the Mets."

John Franco

"We had talks together when he came up. I told him to play hard and play the game the right way. Being named captain is a sign of respect and a sign that the players on the team hold you in high esteem and that they expect you be the leader on and off the field. I took my captaincy very seriously and I know that David will do the same."

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