Tim Tebow is the reason Darlene McChesney traveled from Pennsylvania to Port St. Lucie.
“He’s such a nice young man. I just think the kids look up to him and it’s a shame what happened to him in the NFL," said McChesney.
And she didn’t even travel the farthest to the Mets Spring Training complex. Kellie Rainwater and Erika Esteban are here from Colorado, fans of Tebow from when he quarterbacked the Denver Broncos.
“Lord willing we’re rooting for him all the way. We’ll be praying," laughs Rainwater.
Tebow took questions from the media for about half and hour Monday.
“I always appreciate the support and all the fans who come out and cheer me on and are supportive. That means a lot. You want to make people happy, make people smile," said Tebow.
Outside First Data Field, one of the biggest souvenir items is a Tebow t-shirt.
Tebow was asked about that part of his popularity, as he’s the only non-major leaguer with a shirt for sale.
“I don’t really pay attention to it. I drive in the back I get my uniform on.. I get stretched.”
As for whether Mets fans feel he can make the major leagues… the verdict is mixed.
“As a Mets fan I wish him all the luck in the world but personally I don’t think he’s going to do it," said Jeff Sanders.
“I think Tim Tebow has a great shot at doing anything that his heart desires," said Ken Navon.
I asked Tebow if he had a personal goal where he hoped to be when the end of March rolls around?
“Not really, I think for me I’m going to focus on today. I learned a long time ago that you have to take it one day at a time and that’s something I’m going to do.”
While it's unlikely Tebow will make the 2017 major league roster, the Mets do plan to use Tebow in some Grapefruit League games this spring.