Hey, Rookie! Mets’ Tebow takes practice swings on wrong side

FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2016, file photo, New York Mets' Tim Tebow stretches out before batting practice at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The former NFL quarterback struck out twice, grounded into a double play, was hit by a pitch and trapped off first base Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in a spring training exhibition against Boston. Tebow batted eighth as the designated hitter for a split squad of Mets.
AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) — FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2016, file photo, New York Mets' Tim Tebow stretches out before batting practice at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The former NFL quarterback struck out twice, grounded into a double play, was hit by a pitch and trapped off first base Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in a spring training exhibition against Boston. Tebow batted eighth as the designated hitter for a split squad of Mets. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2016, file photo, New York Mets' Tim Tebow stretches out before batting practice at the team's complex in Port St. Lucie, Fla. The former NFL quarterback struck out twice, grounded into a double play, was hit by a pitch and trapped off first base Wednesday, March 8, 2017, in a spring training exhibition against Boston. Tebow batted eighth as the designated hitter for a split squad of Mets. AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)

By Associated Press March 8, 2017 5 min read

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) – Tim Tebow made his first rookie mistake even before stepping into the batter’s box.

The New York Mets newcomer walked behind home plate and took his practice swings near Boston’s on-deck circle.

“I didn’t know who that was back there. I thought it was the ball boy,” AL Cy Young Award winner Rick Porcello said.

Tebow’s debut as a big leaguer didn’t go much better Wednesday.

The former NFL quarterback went 0 for 3, twice looking at strike three and also grounding into a double play with the bases loaded in a spring training exhibition against the Red Sox.