Tim Tebow to the Columbia Fireflies? It could happen

Tim Tebow playing baseball in Columbia?

That idea might not be far-fetched. The New York Mets signed the former Heisman Trophy winner to a minor-league deal Thursday. The Columbia Fireflies are a Class A affiliate of the Mets and could be a starting spot for Tebow if things go well this fall for the former quarterback.

Fireflies executive vice president Brad Shank was excited about that possibility and tweeted a picture of Tebow in a Fireflies jersey and hat Thursday morning.

“He would be welcomed with open arms,” Shank posted.

Tebow will report to the Mets’ instructional league in Port St. Lucie, Fla. It runs from Sept. 19 until sometime in October. Mets general manager Sandy Alderson said Tebow could be sent to the Arizona Fall League after that or possibly the Winter League.

“This was not something that was driven by marketing considerations or anything of the sort. We are extremely intrigued with the potential that Tim has. He has demonstrated over his athletic career that he is a tremendous athlete, has got character, a competitive spirit,” Alderson told reporters on a conference call. “Aside from the age, this is a classic player-development opportunity for us.”

Alderson said it would be premature to talk about where Tebow might start begin next season. In addition to Columbia, other Mets full-season minor league affiliates include Port St. Lucie (Advanced Class A), Binghamton (AA) and Las Vegas (AAA).

The 29-year-old held an audition for 28 Major League Baseball teams last month, and it was met with mixed reviews. Tebow hit three homers during the first round of batting practice, including one that was estimated at 400 feet.

But he struggled against live pitching and scouts weren’t impressed with his arm in the outfield.

Tebow hasn’t played baseball since his junior year in high school. He gave up his baseball career for football, went on to a stellar career at Florida and was a member of four different NFL teams from 2010-15.

Tebow is currently working with the SEC Network and will miss a few days each week during instructional league for his broadcasting duties.

“This is something I don’t take for granted and I am excited about,” Tebow told reporters Thursday. “I’m looking forward to getting to work.”

This story was originally published September 8, 2016 at 9:30 AM with the headline "Tim Tebow to the Columbia Fireflies? It could happen."