One of the reported reasons the Mets signed outfielder Tim Tebow was because of the marketing and increasing attendance.  Sandy Alderson admitted as much when he said in a press conference, “Look, we signed him because he is a good guy, partly because of his celebrity, partly because this is an entertainment business. My attitude is, ‘Why not?'”

As it turns out, the Mets aren’t the only organization who is promoting Tebow in an effort to get people to the ballpark.

The Florida Fire Frogs, the Braves’ Florida State League Affiliate, has Tebow VIP Experience packaged for this weekend’s series against Tebow and the St. Lucie Mets.

For $50, a fan will receive a number of amenities designed to get fans as near Tebow as possible. This includes being on-field during batting practice, preferred seating, and a VIP viewing area. If that isn’t enough, the fans also receive a VIP parking pass and dirt from the batter’s box.

Fans interested in seeing Tebow play in what will be his only stop there this year will need to purchase this package as the game promises to be a sell-out. As the Fire Frogs Florida Fire Frogs President Joe Harrington stated,

“Ticket sales have skyrocketed since the New York Mets announced the former Heisman Trophy winner with the Florida Gator’s promotion to the St. Lucie Mets on Sunday, June 25. Tickets are moving faster than the Millennium Falcon in light speed. Based on this ticket frenzy and excitement, we are trending towards standing room only crowds.”  (MiLB.com).

The crowd that lines up before every St. Lucie Mets game in hopes of getting Tebow to sign anything.

Lost in this hysteria is the fact Tebow was performed well in the Florida State League. In 23 games, Tebow is hitting .320/.407/.520 with four doubles, one triple, three homers, and 14 RBI.

Photos by Ed Delany