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Tom Coughlin knows winning and winners.
That is why a hand-written note from Coughlin, the Giants’ two-time Super Bowl champion coach, to David Wright is one of the Mets’ third baseman’s most prized possessions.
Wright mentioned the note after the Opening Day 11-2 victory over the Padres at Citi Field. He also mentioned that earlier in the day an autographed copy of Coughlin’s new book “Earn the Right to Win” had been delivered to him.
Not a bad start to the season.
Wright is the Mets’ official captain now, and one of the messages he is trying to get across to his teammates is that earning the right to win is what it is all about in New York. Winning doesn’t just happen. A plan can be put in place, but players have to execute that plan and, as Coughlin writes, success starts with superior preparation.
One of Coughlin’s great strengths is getting his players to believe in a common goal. It doesn’t always work out, as this past season showed for the Giants, but when it does, Super Bowl magic has happened for Eli Manning & Co.
Coughlin said he thinks Wright has what it takes to be a leader, and a ballplayer.
“Mets fans should be thrilled,” Coughlin said. “I just appreciate the way a young man like David represents his organization on and off the field. … Guys like David Wright, Derek Jeter and Eli are cut out of the same cloth. They are blessed with great ability, and they understand the responsibility that comes along with it. They understand what it means to represent their respective organizations, and they know that the people of the metropolitan area respect somebody who rolls up the sleeves and goes to work and leads by example, not words.”
There you have it. The best example of what Wright brings to the Mets may have been delivered by a football coach.
Being anointed with the title has brought out the best in Captain America, and the Mets are going to need every ounce of his leadership. Wright is not taking the challenge lightly.
Wright said the note from Coughlin “was almost like a football pregame pep-talk, it was nice,’’ he said proudly. “I got it framed and it is displayed proudly.’’
The Mets, who play the Padres tonight at Citi Field, are going to need some pep talks in their future because they are such underdogs. Wright said he will be there to lead any way he can, but don’t expect a show. Baseball is about seniority he said, and he has reached that point in his career where he has taken the reins.
“You lead by example, work ethic, preparation, things like that,’’ Wright said, pointing to a time when he was a young player moping about and veteran Mike Piazza gave him a much-needed lecture.
“I am not a big yeller or screamer or putting on a show for the cameras,” Wright said. “I like individual one-on-one type stuff. I feel very comfortable around these guys. It’s a young energetic group, and a special bond started with us in spring training.’’
Young Matt Harvey will be on the mound tonight, and Wright said he deeply believes in him.
“He’s developed a lot since last year,’’ Wright said. “Mentally, he knows he doesn’t have to strike everybody out. He knows now he can go after hitters with his stuff and to not be afraid of contact. The sky is the limit for him because he’s got tremendous, tremendous stuff.
“I would put him up against some of the top pitchers in the league, stuff-wise,’’ Wright noted, adding of the second-year pitcher, “He has embraced New York. He takes a great deal of pride in putting that uniform on and that reminds me a lot of me.’’
Those are strong words from Wright, who added that he can’t wait to read Coughlin’s book. Earning the right to win is what success in New York is all about.
Go earn it Mets.
kevin.kernan@nypost.com