In a report from MiLB.com, the Mets minor league system saw the biggest increase in attendance across all of the Minor Leagues. In fact, three of last year’s affiliates were included in the Top 10 in increased attendance in the 2017 season. That list jumps to four when you include the Mets recently acquired Triple-A Syracuse franchise.

It should be no surprise two of the teams on the list were the Columbia Fireflies and St. Lucie Mets as both teams saw team record attendances last year with Tim Tebow on their rosters. In fact, the Fireflies saw the biggest jump in attendance in the minors, and St. Lucie saw the sixth most.

With respect to the Fireflies, it should be noted it was more than Tebow. The team has had a recent rebranding, a new ballpark, hosting the Sally League All Star Game, and great promotions. The most popular promotion was the “Total Eclipse of the Park” which capitalized on the full solar eclipse over the summer.

The one Mets affiliate on the list who did not have Tebow play for them was the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, who came in at number five. The team’s attendance boost can be attributed to a rebranding from the B-Mets to the Rumble Ponies as well as an extremely successful season that saw the team reach the Eastern League playoffs. With Tebow likely starting the year in St. Lucie, it makes you wonder what type of attendance jump they would experience if Tebow was called-up to Double-A.

Overall, it is great to see an increased interest in the Mets minor league system, and it will be fun to see how these players progress this season. With some outstanding performances, more great promotions, and yes, Tebow, we should continue to see the Mets minor leagues continue to draw record numbers.