Tim Tebow is best known as a Heisman-winning quarterback and NFL quarterback, but he pursued professional baseball alongside football for several years. Tebow was a left-handed pitcher and first baseman who was drafted multiple times, most notably reaching Double-A and Triple-A affiliates of the New York Mets and later the Philadelphia Phillies organization. This article clarifies his baseball career path, the levels he reached, and when he stepped away from the sport to focus on football, church ministry, and broadcasting.
Fact Check: Did Tim Tebow Play Baseball?
Yes, Tim Tebow played professional baseball after college, signing with the New York Mets following the 2010 NFL draft and continuing for several seasons in the minors. He never reached Major League Baseball as a position player or pitcher in regular-season games but appeared in extended spring training and regular minor-league games. His baseball career overlapped with his football trajectory before he committed fully to football, and he later returned to baseball briefly with the Philadelphia Phillies organization before retiring to pursue broadcasting and ministry opportunities.
Early Baseball Background and Draft Timeline
Tebow was a standout two-sport athlete at the University of Florida, excelling in football and baseball. In the 2009 MLB draft, the Mets selected him in the 12th round (358th overall). He chose to return to Florida for his senior season in 2009, then entered the 2010 NFL draft, where the Denver Broncos selected him in the second round. He signed with the Broncos rather than immediately pursuing baseball, but a contract clause allowed him to keep his baseball eligibility, leading to his eventual signing with the Mets after the 2010 draft.
2010 and 2011: Minor League Progression with the Mets
After signing with the Mets in August 2010, Tebow began his professional baseball career in the Gulf Coast League, then advanced to the Kingsport Mets and Brooklyn Cyclones. In 2011, he split time between Savannah (High-A) and Binghamton (Double-A), posting a 2–2 record with a 2.69 ERA over 17 games (11 starts). He recorded 58 strikeouts in 50+1⁄3 innings while batting .154 at the plate as a first baseman.
2012–2014: Setbacks and Continued Minors Stint
In 2012, Tebow dealt with injuries and inconsistency, appearing in only 9 games for Binghamton (0–1, 8.44 ERA). He began 2013 back in Double-A before receiving a midseason promotion to Triple-A Las Vegas 51s with the Mets. He made 24 relief appearances in Triple-A in 2013, going 1–1 with a 4.32 ERA and 3 saves. During the 2014 season, he pitched for Las Vegas and the St. Lucie Mets, compiling a 3–3 record and 5.59 ERA across 47 games (4 starts). Late in 2014, the Mets exposed him on waivers, and the Philadelphia Phillies claimed him, shifting him to first base full-time.
2015–2017: Phillies and Final Seasons
With the Phillies, Tebow primarily played first base while continuing to pitch in extended spring training and instructional settings. In 2015, he played for Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, batting .181 with 6 home runs and 25 RBIs in 86 games. In 2016, he split between Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading, batting .218 with 8 home runs and 34 RBIs across 78 games. In 2017 he returned to Lehigh Valley for his final professional season, batting .249 with 7 home runs and 33 RBIs before retiring from baseball to focus on football analysis, broadcasting, and ministry work.
Baseball Performance Snapshot
| Year | Team(s) | Level | Role | Record (W–L) | ERA | Batting Average | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | GCL Mets | Rookie | Pitcher/1B | 0–0 | 2.08 | .167 | 17.1 IP, 11 SO |
| 2011 | Kingsport, Brooklyn, Savannah, Binghamton | Rookie–Double-A | Pitcher/1B | 2–2 | 2.69 | .154 | 50.2 IP, 58 SO |
| 2012 | Binghamton | Double-A | Pitcher/1B | 0–1 | 8.44 | .100 | 9.2 IP, 9 SO |
| 2013 | Double-A, Triple-A (LVS) | Double-A–Triple-A | Pitcher | 1–1 | 4.32 | — | 24.2 IP, 3 SV |
| 2014 | LVS, St. Lucie | Triple-A–High-A | Pitcher | 3–3 | 5.59 | — | 47.0 IP, 33 SO |
| 2015 | Lehigh Valley | Triple-A | First Base | — | — | .181 | 6 HR, 25 RBI |
| 2016 | Lehigh Valley, Reading | Triple-A–Double-A | First Base | — | — | .218 | 8 HR, 34 RBI |
| 2017 | Lehigh Valley | Triple-A | First Base | — | — | .249 | 7 HR, 33 RBI |
How Football Impacted His Baseball Trajectory
The NFL drafted Tebow in 2010, and his football career escalated quickly: he became the starting quarterback at Denver, won two playoff games, and appeared in a Super Bowl. The intense schedule of the NFL and later roles in broadcasting and ministry left little room for committing to a full-season baseball schedule, even at the Double-A or Triple-A level. As a result, Tebow never played an MLB regular-season game but remained a professional prospect in both sports through the mid-2010s.
Key Takeaways and Clarifications
- Tim Tebow played professional baseball from 2010 to 2017 in the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies organizations.
- He reached Double-A and Triple-A but never appeared in an MLB game.
- His football career and later media and ministry work prevented a full-time baseball commitment.
- He remains a recognizable two-sport figure, but baseball was a secondary pursuit rather than a professional path.
Baseball vs. Football: A Brief Comparison
| Dimension | Football (NFL) | Baseball (Minor Leagues) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Role | Quarterback | Pitcher / First Baseman |
| Peak Level Reached | NFL starter, Super Bowl participant | Triple-A (Las Vegas 51s) |
| Professional Duration | 2010–2018 (NFL) | 2010–2017 (Baseball minors) |
| Most Notable Team | Denver Broncos | Brooklyn Cyclones, Las Vegas 51s |
Common Questions
Did Tim Tebow ever play in the major leagues?
No. Tebow never appeared in an MLB regular-season game. He competed only in minor-league baseball and spring training settings within MLB organizations.
Why didn’t he continue baseball after 2017?
By 2017, Tebow had committed to football analysis, broadcasting, and ministry. The time and travel required for a full-season minor-league schedule conflicted with those priorities, leading to his retirement from professional baseball.
Which teams drafted or signed him in baseball?
He was drafted by the New York Mets in 2010 (12th round) and later signed with the Philadelphia Phillies after the 2014 season when the Mets exposed him on waivers.
How far did he progress in the minors?
He reached Double-A (Savannah, Binghamton) in 2011 and Triple-A (Las Vegas 51s, Lehigh Valley) across multiple seasons, but never played above Triple-A or in an MLB game.
Is he still involved in baseball?
No. Since 2017 he has focused on his media and speaking career, along with faith-based work; he has not played professional baseball since then.
Conclusion
Tim Tebow played professional baseball, but his career remained in the minor leagues while his primary athletic and professional focus was on football. Understanding this distinction clarifies his achievements in both sports and sets realistic expectations for what those pursuits meant for his long-term career.