Tim Tebow didn’t make the New York Mets major league team, and he’ll be headed to the club’s Single-A (low-A) team in Columbia, South Carolina. He’ll play for the Fireflies.

“No one works harder than Tim did this Spring,” said New York Mets manager Terry Collins in an interview today with Marc Carig from Newsday. “He was a pleasure to have around. What he wants is to improve. I’m sure he’ll be a great influence on the kids in Columbia and the fans will enjoy watching him play.”

Tebow played some split squad games with the Mets’ major league club this spring. He started 0-for-9, but he has since increased his average to .235. He probably won’t be a star anytime soon, but in the heart of the Southeast, he’ll have many fans heading to Columbia to catch a game.

Everyone knows the Fireflies are glad to have him.

“Tim Tebow will bring major excitement and national attention to the Fireflies and city of Columbia,” said Fireflies President John Katz. “Baseball fans, sports fans and Tim Tebow fans will likely come from around the southeast to see him play. We expect this to add to the energy at Spirit Communications Park and around downtown Columbia, especially during our opening weekend (April 6-9).”

Katz continued, “Tebow’s story is so compelling – from the BCS National Championships and the NFL playoffs to reinventing himself as a professional baseball player. His humility, faith and unwavering commitment to better himself will bring a new dynamic to our clubhouse. Having a player that has achieved his level of success on two big stages will ultimately pay huge dividends for our players as they pursue their dreams of playing for the New York Mets.”

It’s unlikely that Tebow will ever become a staple in the big leagues, but you won’t find me betting against him. Perhaps we will see Tebow in a big league park someday.

You can check out the Fireflies’ schedule here.