Tim Tebow Goes 0-For-3 In Grapefruit League Debut
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBSNewYork) -- Tim Tebow's Grapefruit League debut Wednesday was about as memorable as his days with the Jets.
Playing in his fist major league spring training game, Tebow went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in an 8-7 split-squad win over the Red Sox. The quarterback-turned-baseball player also grounded into a double play and was hit by a pitch.
In his first at-bat, Tebow, who is participating in the Mets' minor league camp but was called up to play in two Grapefruit League games this week, struck out looking. He then exchanged a few words with home plate umpire Ryan Additon.
The former Heisman Trophy winner faced Red Sox pitcher Rick Porcello, the reigning American League Cy Young winner, to lead off the third inning. Wearing jersey No. 97, Tebow fanned on four pitches, the last one along the outside of the plate.
Then facing Noe Ramirez in the fourth inning, Tebow rolled a ball to second base for a double play, scoring Lucas Duda.
Tebow, who batted eighth in the order and served as the designated hitter, finally reached base in the sixth inning when a Brian Johnson pitch hit him in the right shoulder. But moments later, Tebow was doubled off when he was late getting back to first base after L.J. Mazzilli lined out to second.
Tebow was called out on strikes again in the eighth inning, this time victimized by Brandon Workman.
Following a three-year NFL career that saw him play for the Denver Broncos and Jets, Tebow decided last year to try his hand at baseball, a sport he excelled at in high school. His power and athleticism impressed scouts and eventually led to him signing with the Mets.
The former Heisman Trophy winner participated in the Mets' instructional league in the fall, homering on the first pitch he saw in a game. He then played in the Arizona Fall League, where he struggled, hitting .194 with 20 strikeouts in 62 at-bats.
Tebow is expected to start in the outfield in Friday's game against the Astros.
