NEXT GENERATION: Mets legend Tom Seaver shares a moment with third baseman David Wright before last night’s All-Star Game at Citi Field. (Paul J. Bereswill)
David Wright was awfully proud of his two-faced existence.
The Mets captain and “Face of the Franchise” added “Face of the All-Star game” to his list of titles for two days, and saw a dream realized with last night’s participation in the Midsummer Classic at Citi Field.
It was Wright’s seventh All-Star game, and probably the only one he will play in his home ballpark.
Wright, who finished 1-for-3
with a single in the NL’s 3-0 loss, said he thanked NL manager Bruce Bochy for giving him the chance to play seven innings.
“I’m very appreciative that he gave me the opportunity to play that long when all the other starters were basically out,” Wright said. “One-for-three, I’m glad I didn’t get a goose egg, that is for sure.”
Wright said he was thrilled to serve as the unofficial ambassador for the game.
“I don’t think you ever set out to be the focal point,” he said. “But I’m glad that I could help promote this game. I’m glad that I could help represent the New York Mets.”
The 30-year-old Wright’s most prominent exposure came as captain of the NL Home Run Derby team, for which he received criticism — particularly in Pittsburgh — for his selections.
Pirates fans booed Wright for an entire three-game series last weekend, upset he didn’t initially select Pedro Alvarez for the team. Alvarez was later added to replace Carlos Gonzalez, who was bothered by a finger injury, but Wright remained a target.
Wright was also involved with promotions for the Home Run Derby and game, becoming its unofficial spokesman.
“I don’t think there could have been a better guy picked,” said Rockies outfielder Michael Cuddyer, a childhood friend of Wright’s. “He’s mentally tough enough to be able to handle the grind of being the ambassador and the appearances as well as going out there and still having to perform. He’s as good as there is.”
Wright’s rest will come over the next 2 1/2 days — he has been excused from a Mets workout tomorrow at Citi Field. During his break, Wright suspects the magnitude of the last two days finally hit him.
“I wish some of it would slow down a little bit,” Wright said. “But as far as the things that mean the most to me, being around the guys, and the ovation that I got [Monday] night was very memorable, and I’m very appreciative of that. Those are the lasting memories that I will take away from this.”
Maybe Wright’s only regret is he didn’t make a better showing in the Home Run Derby. Wright hit only five homers in the first round and was eliminated, along with Alvarez, Robinson Cano and Prince Fielder.
But Wright won’t use mental or physical fatigue as an excuse.
“It’s just that there are a lot better home-run hitters than me,” Wright said. “I would have loved to put on a better show, but I gave it what I had and the thing I’m going to take away from last night isn’t the Home Run Derby — it’s the fans, the support that I got, the ovation that I got and those are the things that will stick with me, not the Home Run Derby.”
mpuma@nypost.com