Next up at the plate for spring training misfits, Tim Tebow. On Monday, the ex- NFL quarterback reported to the New York Mets’ spring training camp in Port St. Lucia, Florida. Tebow, a non-roster invite to the Mets’ minor league camp, is expected to play in at least one major league spring training game.
Joining a past list of names such as Billy Crystal, Garth Brooks and Kevin Costner, Tim Tebow’s celebrity persona has warranted him an invite to a major league ball club’s spring training camp. I say celebrity because, let’s face it, he’s a name and not a viable roster candidate. This is just one, big, short-term marketing ploy by the Mets’ organization.
Unless Tebow’s trying out for bat boy or assistant water girl, there’s no chance of him making the team, or any minor league affiliation for that matter. There’s a better shot of seeing him lurking around Topper’s Clubhouse than in the Mets’ clubhouse this season.
But I do have to say, this was a great move by Mets’ executives. Ticket sales and merchandise for the initial weeks of camp while Tebow is present and signing autographs, all while trying to figure out what a baseball glove does, will definitely spark media interest and add a little extra revenue.
If you disagree and feel that Tebow (who cannot make a pro football team) is a worthy candidate for a spot on a MLB team, I suggest a visit to your local neurologist. If your tests come back negative and you’re not a whack job, but you still happen to disagree with me, here’s food thought…According to NBCSports.com, fans visiting the Mets’ facility during spring training can purchase a shirt with Tebow’s name on the back, but not Mets’ star outfielder, Curtis Granderson’s name.
This is angering for two reasons: 1) The club isn’t recognizing an everyday player (Granderson) who actually has a positive impact on the team and helps wins games, and 2) The fans who are making this marketing campaign successful by purchasing these shirts.
I wish we can just skip all this nonsense and move on to April already.