Photo Credit: Manny Pacquiao's Instagram
The 32-year-old Mets outfielder and former NFL quarterback will play for Team Philippines in next month's World Baseball Classic 2021 qualifiers between March 12-25 in Tucson, Arizona.
Tim Tebow:
"Grateful and excited to play for team Philippines in the World Baseball Classic qualifiers... the country I was born in and somewhere that is near and dear to my heart!".
“I’ve just got such a heart for the Philippines,"
"I’ve just really had a love for the people for a long time. To be able to represent them will be really cool -- really, really cool. You don’t get a lot of chances to represent people or places that mean something to you.”
As per
Anthony DiComo of MLB.com, Tebow born in Manila (Makati City) to parents performing missionary work in the Philippines, Tebow remained in the country until just before his fifth birthday. He grew up in Florida but returned frequently to the Philippines as he became active in missionary work himself, spending at least three weeks there annually for nearly 15 years in a row. He also speaks a bit of Filipino language.
In 2014, Tebow opened the Tebow CURE Hospital in Davao City to “meet the physical needs and provide spiritual healing for deserving children in the Philippines who could not otherwise afford care,” according to the hospital’s website. The facility treats children with physical disabilities such as cleft lip, clubfoot and bowed legs.
WBC allows American players meeting certain requirements to compete for their ancestral countries in the tournament. In Tebow’s case, his Filipino birth makes him eligible.
According to
Sports Illustrated, Team Philippines is taking part in an upcoming double-elimination qualifying tournament between March 12-25 in Tucson, Az. Four teams will have the chance to qualify for the main draw. The Philippines are in the second qualifier and will compete against the Czech Republic, Great Britain, New Zealand and Spain. The Philippines face off against the Czech Republic in the opening round of the tournament on March 20.
2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier Participants:
POOL 1 - Brazil, France, Germany, Nicaragua, Pakistan and South Africa
POOL 2 - Philippines, Czech Republic, Great Britain, New Zealand, Panama and Spain
