PORT ST. LUCIE — The Zack Wheeler Experience isn’t just about a young pitcher with a golden right arm making it with the Mets. It’s about three brothers bonding together to make it happen — even after one brother was released by the Yankees a decade ago, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth with the way that experience went down and setting up yet a new layer to the Yankees-Mets rivalry.
This is a story of Brothers in Arms.
This is a story of overcoming hurdles.
The oldest Wheeler brother, Jacob, who turns 33 later this month, was a terrific athlete, but a serious heart condition ended any dreams of playing sports beyond his high school days.
The next brother, Adam, 30, pitched four years in the Yankees organization before shoulder and elbow injuries cut short his career in 2004.
Without that experience, Zack might not be where he is today.
Zack never will forget sitting in the scouts’ tower at the Yankees minor league complex in Tampa. Adam was playing rookie ball with the Yankees, and pitching guru Billy Connors offered a tour to young Zack, who was 12. And Zack started to dream the dream of being a major league pitcher.
It left a lasting impression.
“That was a pretty cool experience and I got to go see the clubhouse, too,’’ Zack told The Post. “I’ll never forget it. It meant a lot.’’
Adam then passed along pitching knowledge garnered from Connors and former Mets legend Dwight Gooden, who was working with the Yankees at the time. The first lesson was in a parking lot.
“I always felt a step ahead of every other kid in my situation, and it definitely helped me out,’’ Zack said.
Though there are pinstripes running through Zack’s pitching foundation, there is no love lost here and it adds to this New York story.
“Adam hates the Yankees,’’ Zack said.
Remember, Zack, 23, is the laid-back Wheeler. Adam’s pitching was fueled by raw emotion.
“I’m just glad Zack didn’t end up with the Yankees,’’ Adam said. “I’m not a fan of the Yankees at all. That experience left a bad taste in my mouth. There’s people I liked there and there’s people I didn’t like. The way they released me wasn’t right, and I still hold a grudge. There was a new minor league coordinator or somebody, and the person who released me had never ever seen me pitch and that’s what probably made me the most angry. Whatever, I got over it, but deep down inside it wasn’t right, so I still hold a grudge, I guess.’’
Now, little brother Zack can beat the Yankees for Adam.
“I know, that’s what I’m hoping,’’ Adam said. “I’m hoping when Zack pitches against the Yankees he strikes every single one of them out.’’
There you have it, a little extra spice to the Subway Series.
“My brothers and I are just all so close,’’ Zack said. “We grew up together, always played together. I’m playing for both of them really. Jacob has his heart condition. He couldn’t do anything after high school. Adam got hurt. They pounded it into my head to be humble. I push myself for them.’’
“Jacob never had the chance because of his heart,’’ Adam explained of the heart condition that has not been repaired despite numerous surgeries. “Every year in high school playing basketball, baseball, running, he would never give up. He would run until he passed out and they’d have to call the ambulance. They’d cut his shirt open and do emergency-type stuff.’’
Jacob has a new passion in life, poetry, and is working to get published. He looks at Zack’s development from little brother to big star and pride envelops him.
“It’s so good to see my little brother become his own athlete and his own person,’’ Jacob said. “I was always the big brother, but now it’s like I look up to Zack and that’s a wonderful thing.’’
Adam has come to realize the powerful influence his parents — Elaine and Barry — have had on all three boys, and the sacrifices they made mean so much today.
“We just couldn’t have had more dedicated parents, and we don’t mention them enough,’’ Adam said. “They were always supporting us at every game, year round, no matter the weather.’’
Wheeler’s parents and Jacob will visit Zack this week. Adam has a construction business in Indiana and will not be able to make the trip, but when the Mets are in the Midwest, Adam attends Zack’s games and makes sure to arrive early, so he can watch his little brother warm up from the stands.
“I always throw a baseball to him,’’ Zack said. “It’s like he and Jacob are going out to the mound with me.’’
Noted Adam: “The highlight of my year, last year and this coming year, is going to Zack’s games and see him pitch. I wasn’t sure if I was good enough to get people out. I never got that chance to see if I could do it. But to see Zack do it, is pretty awesome. I feel like I made it. Zack made it for all of us. I feel like my whole family is out there with Zack because that was everybody’s dream.
“It’s unbelievable that it came true.’’
When Zack Wheeler takes the mound, he is never alone.