The Mets announced on Wednesday that Tim Tebow, the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback, has decided to retire from professional baseball. Tebow, 33, signed on with the Mets in September 2016, despite not having played organized baseball since high school. In parts of three seasons in the minor leagues, Tebow hit 0,223 / 0,299 / 0,338 with 18 home runs, 48 doubles and five stolen bases in 287 games.
“It was a pleasure to have Tim in our organization, as he was a consummate professional during his four years with Mets,” said Mets President Sandy Alderson in a statement released by the team. “Upon reaching the Triple-A level in 2019, he far exceeded expectations when he entered the system in 2016 and must be very proud of his achievements.”
Tebow started his professional baseball journey in the Arizona Fall League and, as noted, reached the first tier of the minor league in 2019. Tebow did not play in 2020 as the minor league season was canceled because of the pandemic COVID-19. This spring, Tebow was again invited to the major league camp with the Mets.
“I want to thank Mets, Mr. Alderson, the fans and all my teammates for the chance to be part of such a huge organization,” said Tebow in the same statement. “I loved every minute of the trip, but right now I feel called in other directions. I never want to be partially involved in anything. I always want to be 100 percent involved in whatever I choose. Thanks again for everyone’s support in this incredible baseball journey. , I will always value my time as a Met. #LGM “
Before signing with the Mets, Tebow gained fame as a winning quarterback for the Heisman Trophy by the University of Florida. In the NFL, he made 16 appearances over three seasons and helped the 2011 Denver Broncos into the playoffs. Since 2014, Tebow has worked as a college football analyst for SEC Network and occasionally for ESPN.