Tim Tebow’s presence on the 2018 Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Class AA; Eastern League) may owe something to 2017, when the undertook significant upgrades to NYSEG Stadium.
Under owner John Hughes, the Binghamton franchise has undergone some significant changes in the past couple of seasons. Prior to the 2017 season, the club rebranded from the Mets to the Rumble Ponies, and upgraded NYSEG Stadium. Along with upgrades to the player facilities, the Rumble Ponies enhanced some amenities by adding a new right field entrance, an expanded fun zone, an updated merchandise store, rebuilt suites, new terrace seating, and a new party deck. (Our own Jarah Wright profiled the Rumble Ponies’ 2017 season in a story last fall.)
After splitting last season between the Columbia Fireflies (Low A; Sally League) and St. Lucie Mets (High A; Florida State League), Tebow will move up to Binghamtom for 2018. It remains to be seen how the former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL quarterback will handle the jump to Class AA, but some Binghamton officials believe that the NYSEG Stadium upgrades played a factor in his assignment for this season. More from Binghamtonhomepage.com:
Binghamton’s Managing Director John “JB” Baynes believes that the facilities upgrades may have played a roll in the Mets decision to send Tebow to Rumbletown.
“Yeah, we did a lot of these renovations with the New York Mets, in coordination with them. I’m sure those had a factor in that. We’ve really put in the effort and the time to make this a premiere facility not only for fans, but also for the teams that come here,” said Baynes.
Tebow was credited with boosting attendance across the South Atlantic League and Florida State League last year, and he could have that effect on the Eastern League this year. The outfielder could make his Binghamton debut on April 5, when the Rumble Ponies host their home opener against the Portland Sea Dogs.
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