The Swamp Prepared Tebow for Game Pressures; Hits HR in First At Bat In Minors

Tim Tebow does it once again!

He makes headlines after hitting a home run in his first minor league at bat, a shot to left- center field in his minor league debut with Class A Columbia (S.C) Fireflies, the South Atlantic League affiliate of the New York Mets. He drilled a 2-1 pitch off the railing in left-center field, where a strong wind has been blowing out all day. The fans at Spirit Communications Park made sure they got a recording of this historic event. The sellout crowd went in a frenzy chanting “Te-Bow!” “Te- Bow!” The chant grew louder as he circled the bases.

Tebow hits a two-run homer in his first minor league at bat. pic.twitter.com/sd04xyvPgW

— Carson Mason (@CarsonAnnMason) April 6, 2017

Tebow’s reaction

Tebow initially thought he hit a ground-rule double.

“I thought I had a double, and the guy goes, keep going.”  The umpire motioned to Tebow to circle the bases and as he did he clapped his hands as if he had thrown a game-winning touchdown. The home run came off Augusta lefty Domenic Mazza, a 2015 pick in the MLB Draft.

Even though the homer is very exciting, Tebow knows there is more to prove.

“It was just one day. One opportunity- the first of a lot of games,” he said.

 

Tim Tebow with a homerun in his first at-bat! #LetsGlow pic.twitter.com/82cV2y573N

— Columbia Fireflies (@ColaFireflies) April 7, 2017

Understanding the process

Tim Tebow’s sportsmanship is one reason he has so many fans. Throughout the ballpark, fans wore the Fireflies jerseys with Tebow’s fluorescent No.15 jersey; some wore orange and blue from his Gator days to his days with the Denver Broncos.  Tebow hasn’t had a traditional career from his time with the Florida Gators, the NFL, and now to now baseball. Tebow refers to his baseball journey as a process.

“I’ve said it a hundred times, but it is about the process and I still have a long ways to go in the process.”

Offense erupts in 2017 Season Opener. Three HRs and one from Tim Tebow in his first at-bat! pic.twitter.com/bsoJ93bFUw

— Columbia Fireflies (@ColaFireflies) April 7, 2017

Dealing with pressure

Tim Tebow is now starting in his professional baseball career.  He believes all of his sports experiences helped him for moments like his first minor league homer and a 14-7 win for his team.

“Playing in The Swamp or Death Valley or in Mile High Stadium in the playoffs, they all helped,” Tebow said.

Tebow’s day ended going 1 for 5 with three strikeouts; the process will continue.