PORT ST. LUCIE, FL -- It's not quite the same thing as throwing an 80-yard touchdown pass in overtime to win an NFL playoff game, but Tim Tebow's heroics were on display Thursday night.
Tebow, who plays for the St. Lucie Mets -- the Single-A affiliate of Major League Baseball's New York Mets -- stepped to plate last night as the Mets were tied 4-4 with the Daytona Tortugas and delivered the first walk-off home run of his career.
Last month, Tebow was called up to the St. Luci Mets after having played withing the organization for the last year. Critics have called the promotion -- and Tebow's attempt to play professional baseball -- a publicity stunt.
However, in 16 games, Tebow is batting .327 with three home runs and 10 RBIs. He's collected 16 hits in 49 at bats and has a .421 on-base percentage as well.
While Tebow is off to a good start, it's unlikely that he'll make his MLB debut anytime soon as he'll need to progress through some of the tougher levels of minor league baseball before he's promoted to the majors.
While Tebow is off to a good start, it's unlikely that he'll make his MLB debut anytime soon as he'll need to progress through some of the tougher levels of minor league baseball before he's promoted to the majors.
That may depend on the Mets need to put butts in seats. Tebow can do that. Tebow's one-season run with the Bronco's was the feel good story of that year. It was a ratings bonanza.
That may depend on the Mets need to put butts in seats. Tebow can do that. Tebow's one-season run with the Bronco's was the feel good story of that year. It was a ratings bonanza.
Being a New York market team (already have more money than they know what to do with it) with a star-studded starting rotation (already filling seats), Tebow would add buzz but not put more New Yawkers in seats at Citi Field.
Now Tebow playing in a market like North Texas (Texas Rangers) makes a lot of sense. The Rangers are always looking for ways outside of scoring a bunch of runs (and still losing) to fill seats.
So I see Tebow, if he develops into MLB material, as a trade chip for someone trying to energize attendance in general, or in a down rebuild year.
He could surprise us all and play for the Yankees some day. LOL.
