MLB

Mets’ Wright proudly represents USA in WBC

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PORT ST. LUCIE — The text from Joe Torre to David Wright said it all: “Can’t wait to get going.’’

The World Baseball Classic will bring together Torre, the former Yankees manager who will manage Team USA, and Wright, the Mets third baseman who will leave for Arizona tomorrow. Team USA begins play next Friday and, for Wright, the emotions will kick in long before he hits the field.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling walking into the clubhouse the first time and seeing your last name on one of those USA jerseys,’’ Wright told The Post.

Wright has a deep love for America, having grown up in Norfolk, Va., in the shadows of Naval Station Norfolk, which houses the largest concentration of U.S. Navy forces. His father, Rhon, is the assistant police chief in Norfolk, and Wright will make a point to visit on the field with his friend and inspiration, wounded war veteran Felix Perez, when the WBC shifts to Miami.

Playing for Torre is a highlight, too. In some ways, Wright could become Torre’s Derek Jeter on this team. After all, Mets owner Fred Wilpon already has said Wright is “our Jeter.’’

Minus the rings, of course.

“I’ve gotten a couple texts the last couple days from Joe and how excited he is,’’ Wright said. “I look up to Joe so much, especially playing against him. It’s not every day you get a chance to play for Joe Torre and I’m going to try to go out there and do whatever I can.’’

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Team USA will have an impressive starting lineup with an outfield of Ryan Braun, Adam Jones and Giancarlo Stanton. Joe Mauer is the catcher, Mark Teixeira is at first, Jimmy Rollins is at short and Brandon Phillips is playing second with Wright at third.

A lot of talent is not going to the WBC as well.

“We tried to peer pressure players, but ultimately they have to do what they feel is best for them,’’ Wright said of the no-shows. “I’d like to think that a majority of players are interested and want to do it, but you completely understand that certain guys on certain teams don’t want to get out of that routine.

“It would be nice to have some of those guys, but we don’t, so you can’t worry about who doesn’t play.’’

Justin Verlander, who pitches against Wright today at Tradition Field, is not going to the WBC, and Team USA might be short in the pitching department with Ryan Vogelsong and Ross Detwiler among the starters. Wright played in 2009 and got a game-winning hit against Puerto Rico, but that U.S. team finished a disappointing fourth.

The pressure is on to do well to make this tournament a success in the United States. If Team USA falters again, the WBC will be difficult to sell to U.S. fans.

“I’m looking forward to it more so this year because I know what it’s like and how much fun it is,’’ Wright said. “It’s a distinct honor. My family is excited. Growing up, I always wanted to be on the [U.S.] junior amateur teams and never really got the invite, so now I have a chance to fulfill that desire a little later in my career, but it’s just as much fun.’’

Expect Wright to receive another honor at some point — being named captain of the Mets.

“It should come from the players,’’ Wright said. “It would be very humbling and would be an incredible honor. At the same time I don’t want to be anointed by ownership or the front office or the manager. That should be something the players are okay with because ultimate that is what the title means to me.’’

Mike Baxter said Wright would be the perfect captain.

“When you have a proven star and the way he goes about it every day it really sets a tone,’’ Baxter said. “He has a great ability to keep it loose and also be really intense. That’s a true leader. That’s someone who is there to take the edge off, keep it light in the clubhouse, but also make sure everybody is in line when the lights are on and it’s time to go. And he does that all without having to be vocal.

“When he speaks, your ears perk up. Those are the best leaders, the quiet ones who lead by example and are also able to hold the floor when they get it.’’

Torre is looking for exactly that type of leadership from Wright on Team USA.

kevin.kernan@nypost.com