Fansided

Tim Tebow is on the South Atlantic League All-Star ballot

By Justin McGuire

Apr 7, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; Columbia Fireflies outfielder Tim Tebow (15) runs to first base during the second inning of the game against the Augusta GreenJackets at Spirit Communications Park. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2017; Columbia, SC, USA; Columbia Fireflies outfielder Tim Tebow (15) runs to first base during the second inning of the game against the Augusta GreenJackets at Spirit Communications Park. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tim Tebow’s minor league journey probably is going to include a trip to the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in his home park.

Tim Tebow: Heisman Trophy winner. Two-time national champion. Minor League Baseball All-Star?

Yep, it’s almost definitely going to happen.

The Columbia Fireflies’ Tebow is listed as a left fielder on the 2017 South Atlantic League Southern Division All-Star Game Ballot. His competition will come from Ryan Scott of the Greenville Drive and Jacob Heyward of the Augusta GreenJackets (the brother of Chicago Cubs outfielder Jason Heyward).

Tebow is hitting just .214/.304/.336 with three homers, so expect him to lose out to the better-qualified Scott (.248/.335/.446, six homers) or Heyward (.230/.331/.405, six homers).

Ha ha, just kidding. Tebow is definitely going to win the fan vote.

It’s safe to say the former NFL quarterback is the most famous player in the minors. And frankly, he may be more famous than almost any player currently in the majors.

His presence in the low-A SAL has been a phenomenon.

Go to a Fireflies game, and you will see countless Tebow shirts in the team store and in the stands. You will hear fans in left field trying to get the former Florida Gators star’s attention or autograph. The team’s attendance has increased significantly in its second year in Columbia’s Spirit Communication Park thanks to Tebow.

The real Tebow effect, however, can be seen on the road. Other SAL teams, such as Hickory, Augusta and Rome, are have seen their attendance double when the Fireflies visit this season.

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So yes, Tebow will be elected to the team. And numbers aside, it’s hard to argue with putting the minors’ biggest star in the All-Star Game.

The South Atlantic League All-Star Game will be played June 20 at — where else? — Columbia’s Spirit Communication Park.

Expect a sellout. And expect the team store to move a lot of Tebow merchandise.

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