Mike Schmidt Motivates Via E-Mail

· Steele: <a href="http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/curt-flood-an-extraordinary-man-of-principle-and-conviction/">Man of Conviction | <a href="http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/hank-greenberg-could-relate-to-flood/">Greenberg Relates
· Moore: Flood's Peers Owe Him Apology
· Blackistone: <a href="http://kevin-blackistone.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/curt-flood-belongs-in-the-hall-of-fame/">Cooperstown Should Open Doors
· Fletcher: <a href="http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/curt-flood-a-hero-to-todays-players-those-who-know-his-name/">Modern Players Know Little of Flood
· Stradley: <a href="http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2009/10/06/for-curt-flood-antitrust-meant-exactly-that-at-supreme-court/">Antitrust Meant Just That

This Mets/Phillies rivalry must really be heating up if former players are willing to join the fray. Phillie legend Mike Schmidt decided that before this big series with the Mets at Shea Stadium, he would write a motivational speech via e-mail through Charlie Manuel, who posted it in the Phillies locker room before Friday's 3-0 win (I guess it worked).

"One pitch, one at bat, one play, one situation, think 'small' and 'big' things result, tough at-bats, lots of walks, stay up the middle with men on base, whatever it takes to 'keep the line moving' on offense, 27 outs on defense, the Mets know you're better than they are," Schmidt said in the letter.

"They remember last year. You guys are never out of a game. Welcome the challenge that confronts you this weekend. You are the stars. Good luck. #20."

Injured closer Billy Wagner of the Mets didn't have much to say in response, except: "Did Gary Carter send us one?"

If he did, all it would have read was "Dear Mets, please hire me to manage. Love, #8".