Tim Tebow To Be Assigned By Mets To Class-A Columbia Fireflies

The New York Mets announced announced Monday they are sending former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow to their Class-A affiliate in South Carolina, the Columbia Fireflies, this season, according to Marc Carig of Newsday.

Mets’ Tim Tebow Assigned to Class-A Affiliate Columbia

“Sending him to a full season club is what we hoped to be able to do,” Mets general manager Sandy Alderson told Carig. “And based on what he’s done in spring training, and his whole body of work since last fall, we feel comfortable with him going to Columbia.”

The 29-year-old former NFL quarterback is hitting .200 (4-for-20) in seven games for the Mets in spring training as an outfielder.

“I am excited about continuing the journey. I learned so much this spring working with T.C. [Terry Collins], Kevin Long, and Tom Goodwin,” Tebow said in a statement about his move to the South Atlantic League. “I hear so many good things about the City of Columbia. I hear the stadium is great. I look forward to coming there to make an impact on the field and the community.”

Alderson added that although there is still room for Tebow to improve, particularly on the defensive front, he acknowledges how athletic the former New York Jets and Denver Broncos star is.

“He’s obviously very athletic and he has adapted very quickly,” said Alderson. “His approach at the plate is very solid. He doesn’t chase pitches. People might say his swing is a little long but the swing is professional. When he’s made contact, it’s often been hard contact… Defensively, it’s still a work in progress but it’s adequate. He’s made some nice plays, again demonstrating the athleticism that everybody’s seen he has.”

Tebow won the Heisman with the Florida Gators in 2007 and helped lead the team to two national championships. He struggled in his 19 games in the Arizona Fall League, hitting 194 with three doubles and 20 strikeouts in 62 at-bats.

The ex-NFL star signed with the Mets on Sept. 8 and also participated in three Florida Instructional League games.

PEORIA, AZ – OCTOBER 13: Tim Tebow #15 (New York Mets) of the Scottsdale Scorpions warms up on deck during the Arizona Fall League game against the Peoria Javelinas at Peoria Stadium on October 13, 2016 in Peoria, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)