Tim Tebow's minor-league career begins Thursday in South Carolina.
The 29-year-old is expected to be the starting left fielder for the Class A Columbia Fireflies when they open their season at home against the Augusta GreenJackets.
"He's going to be playing," Fireflies manager Jose Leger said earlier this week, according to USA TODAY Sports.
"I think he's going to serve more of an asset to the players. He brings a lot of experience to the table. I think more than anything, he'll bring motivation and a spark on the team."
Tebow was assigned to Colombia following his first spring training with the New York Mets in which he received some exposure to the big leagues by appearing in nine games with the Mets. He looked overmatched for the most part, going 4-for-27 (.148) with eight strikeouts and a walk.
The former Heisman Trophy winner said he's excited to get his minor-league career underway and is taking his assignment with the Fireflies seriously.
"For me, this is not like a vacation," Tebow said. "This is not something I want to do for publicity. This is a business trip. This is work."
