Thank you, New York Mets.
Because of your organization, not only will countless people declare a reason to watch minor league baseball again, but everyone around the country will be forced to watch daily updates on his progress. I guarantee it will be a circus not seen since MJ joined the White Sox organization with the Birmingham Barons back in ’94.
According to ESPN sources, the New York Mets have signed Tim Tebow to a minor league contract. The former NFL quarterback will start his career with the Instructional League in Port St. Lucie, Florida. It’s a basic, class Single-A rookie-type fall league. It will be interesting to see how he does against kids fresh out of high school.
The Mets decided to sign Tebow on Wednesday, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. General manager Sandy Alderson met with team co-owner Jeff Wilpon, who signed off on Alderson’s suggestion that they get a deal done.
It’s a surprising move only in that the Atlanta Braves reportedly showed interest last week. The Colorado Rockies were also allegedly interested in the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Tebow is now 29 and hasn’t played baseball since high school in 2005. But he has been working out with former Major League catcher Chad Moeller in Scottsdale, Arizona since Memorial Day. He held a workout at USC last week to showcase his skills for MLB clubs. 28 teams showed up.
The former Florida Gator won two national championships while in college before playing quarterback for the Broncos and Jets from 2010 to 2012. He was rostered with the Patriots and Eagles in 2013 and 2015 but never took a snap.
Although Tebow has a slim-to-none chance to make the Major Leagues, watching him play Minor League ball will be a joyous ride. Just get ready. The coverage of his baseball endeavors will likely be long and bumpy.
Josh Helmuth is the editor of Crave Sports.
Photo: Twitter @BroBible
