There's plenty of fine reasons why the New York Mets should invite New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow to Flushing for a ceremonial "first pitch" before a Mets game at Citi Field.
Not only would it be a classy gesture to welcome a new star to the Big Apple, it would help the team sell a few hundred tickets at the very least.
The Mets have been struggling to find new and creative ways to sell tickets this year, as they will be holding a Fireworks Night On July 3 and hosting rock bands like Daughtry, MercyMe and REO Speedwagon and part of a concert series at Citi Field.
They also have some wacky promo nights like "Dunkin Donuts Gift Card Night" and a "texting gloves" giveaway.
Bringing in Tebow to throw out a first pitch would be easier than all of the above options to help draw some folks to the ballpark.
Tebow is Mr. Marketability himself, and there's no doubt his presence alone at Citi Field would bring fans into the park and help sell tickets.
Besides the financial aspect of it, there's a definite connection between the New York Jets and New York Mets.
The Jets played their home games at the Mets' former home, Shea Stadium, between 1964 and 1983, which meant that many Mets fans were also Jets fans. While the Jets haven't shared a stadium with the Mets in close to 30 years, many older fans still see the link between the Jets and Mets.
I personally am both a New York Mets and New York Jets fan because it's a family tradition, as my father used to attend Jets and Mets games at Shea Stadium. It's a link that was passed down to me, and I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling that there's a strong connection between the Mets and Jets.
Tebow was greeted rudely by New York Yankees fans during a recent appearance at Yankee Stadium for a game between the Los Angeles Angels and Yankees, but there's no doubt he would be treated to a much more positive welcome if he showed up to Citi Field.
The Mets could provide the opportunity for Tebow to wash away the bad feelings of that day at Yankee Stadium when he was roundly booed when shown on the video screen in center field.
Mets fans would love the chance to show that they are much more respectful and welcoming to new guests to the area, so the team should step up and ask Tebow to come on down to Citi Field.
Should Tim Tebow throw out a ceremonial first pitch at an upcoming Mets game at Citi Field? Let me know in the comments.
Eric Holden is a lifelong New York Mets fan. Follow him on Twitter @ericholden.
