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From: The Haley Family (fivehaleys@jetmail.ca)
To: Tom Haley (thaley120791@jetmail.ca)
September 18, 2023
Dear Tom,
Thanks for the email you sent us yesterday, Son. I know you're disappointed to see the Marlins clinch the division championship. You're actually no farther behind them than you were yesterday, but seeing that magic number drop to zero does make things more "official" somehow.
Now you have to focus on keeping ahead of the Pirates and Phillies so you can earn the wild card bid. Think of it this way. If you make the playoffs, everything starts fresh. You have three series to win, and any of the eight teams left playing can make it happen.
You're nearly at full strength now, roster-wise. Cumberbat is the only guy who's injured, right? He hasn't pitched as much, or as well, this season as he had in the past, and with Denny Patterson throwing like he has been, you guys are still getting really good work from your setup men, even without Arthur.
It's a shame Shaw is grumbling so much. You did mention to me once that he's got a bit of an attitude, and that some of the guys think he's lazy. Does Shaw really expect Bill Nesling to bench Emilio Castro, when Castro is hitting well over .300 and getting on base 45 percent of the time?
Keep focused, Son, and show your teammates how a professional handles the pressure of a playoff fight. All of us back in Lindsay are behind you.
Love,
Dad and Mom
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