Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos talk about Deion Sanders after the win

Both players brought up Coach Prime in their press conference

When the pictures surfaced of Bryce Harper and Nick Castellanos wearing Coach Prime apparel to the game yesterday, it’s was easy to decipher some type of motivational message.

In listening to both players postgame press conferences, it seems it was more coincidental as opposed to them making a statement as a team.

But the message was still received. And it was loud and it was clear. 

The extra motivation in the Philadelphia Phillies clubhouse was in response to a disappointing NLDS game two loss in which they squandered a 4-0 lead.

There was also video of Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia mocking Harper. His “atta boy Harper” chants best illustrated the euphoria in Atlanta’s clubhouse.

Well, that feeling was quickly extinguished on Wednesday night. 

Bryce heard all the noise and, like the Michael Jordan meme would suggest, he took that personally.

“Any time somebody says something, that’s what it’s all about…..I stared right at him,” said Harper.

He most certainly did. Two times! 

Although, it wasn’t just Harper. It felt like all of the Phillies had a few extra chips on their shoulders.

That’s Nick Castellanos who also had two home runs in the 10-2 game three victory.

“From Deion and what he’s doing with the organization, I have become a fan of his and for what he’s able to do for his kids….I just felt like it was the perfect day to wear it and apparently Bryce thought so to.”

It’s clear that the themes Coach Prime stresses such as “dominate” and “it’s personal” are resonating far beyond the football field.