Mets likely to showcase Tebow in spring training

South Florida fans of the Florida Gators may get a chance to see their former quarterback in a difffferent uniform this spring.

Tim Tebow announced his intentions to embark on a career in professional baseball earlier this year, and after completing stints with the New York Mets franchise in the Instructional League and the Arizona Fall League, it seems like Tebow may get a shot during spring training. According to the Associated Press, Mets manager Terry Collins has expressed interest in having Tebow play in spring training games, citing his celebrity in the state of Florida and the experience it would provide his players.

“He’s a star in Florida — he should be,” Collins told the AP.

“Our players, they’re athletes, too. They’re fans, too. They would probably like to know how to run a quarterback sneak one day.”

The Mets hold their spring training at Tradition Field in Port St. Lucie beginning in February. The Marlins and Cardinals train at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter and, beginning in 2017, the Astros and Nationals will train at the new Ballpark of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach.

The 29-year-old former national- champion quarterback with UF got 70 plate appearances in the Arizona Fall League and hit .194 with 20 strikeouts, displaying raw talent while posting underwhelming results.

Mets ge nera l manager Sandy Alderson conceded to the AP that having Tebow attend spring training would have no advantages, “except for advertising purposes.”