SPORTS
all four games, the ever gracious 30-year-old superstar signed
autographs.
“It was a fun experience and it was new for us,” said Joe
Harrington, president of the Fire Frogs. “The journey he is on
has fascinated people. They have followed him through his
college career and on to the NFL.” Harrington said Tebow
caught a fly ball to end one of the games and threw the ball to
a particular fan. When someone else snatched it away, Tebow
went to the dugout, autographed a ball and brought it back to
the fan. He then signed autographs for a while before moving
to the first-base side of the field to sign some more. “It speaks
volumes and it shows what kind of person he is. I am hoping
for the best for him,” Harrington said.
During a four-game series at the Jupiter Cardinals, 8,500
people showed up to see Tebow and the Mets. Normally, less
than 3,000 fans would have been in attendance for those four
games. “He brought out really large crowds and lots of Gator
fans,” said Mike Bauer, the Cardinals general manager. “He is
a really positive figure trying to realize his dream and I hope
he is successful.”
JUMP IN EMPLOYMENT
Marc Ashe, who has owned Lerro’s Gourmet Italian Ice
and several other concessions at the Mets Stadium for nearly
25 years, has never seen anything like the Tim Tebow phenomenon.
“It has been very good for us and I have hired more personnel,
young people,” said Ashe, president of Concession
Depot LLC in Port St. Lucie. “It has been a blessing in disguise.
He is definitely a draw, his personality, what he stands
for. He is a role model for many young people. For us it is a
win-win situation since he has put people to work.”
“I think Tim Tebow is exciting to watch and he’s bringing
the love of the game back to the game,” said Rick Hatcher,
executive director of the Treasure Coast Sports Commission.
“He has impacted the attendance for the St. Lucie Mets
and the other teams in the Florida State League. Everyone
applauds his efforts and he is a great role model. Look at the
number of autographs he signs for kids rather than adults.
Tim Tebow is great for Port St. Lucie and the Treasure Coast.
The added exposure from the media is always good.”
Marty Smith’s America filmed an episode for ESPN2 with
Tebow at his rented PGA Village home in Port St. Lucie. It
was light banter with an appearance by next door neighbor
and New York Met David Wright. A Nissan commercial aired
on local TV with Tebow dodging football mascots who purposely
got in his way while he is driving.
MESSAGE OF FAITH
At Faith Night on July 28, Tebow spoke after the game for
five minutes to most of the 4,654 in attendance who stayed to
hear his message.
“Before I close, know this, God loves you. You matter and
he has a plan for your life. Thank you so much for having me.
God bless you all,” he was quoted as saying over the roar of
the crowd.
St. Lucie County has been using social media marketing to
get the word out in the slow season that there are plenty of
hotel rooms available for visitors who want to come and see
Tebow and the St. Lucie Mets.
“We are marketing Tim Tebow for University of Florida
fans,” said Charlotte Bireley, director of tourism and market- >>
10 Port St. Lucie Magazine
The fans go wild as Tebow rounds third base after
hitting his first home run as a St. Lucie Met. Enormous
crowds have turned out to see the former
Florida Gator and Heisman Trophy winner.