Garth Brooks, ballplayer

Garth Brooks in spring training 2000 (Matthew Stockman photo)

Long before they decide to feature former-quarterback-turned-29-year-old-wannabe-outfielder Tim Tebow as a spring training sideshow in 2017, the New York Mets 24 years ago today announce they will bring in country music legend Garth Brooks to take part of spring training.

Brooks, closing in on his 38th birthday in 2000, is no stranger to spring training after spending time just the year before with the San Diego Padres.

Garth Brooks in 1999

Brooks uses his opportunities with the Padres in 1999 and Mets in 2000 – with the blessing of Major League Baseball – to raise money for his “Teammates for Kids” foundation.

Brooks actually comes to bat 22 times for the Padres during spring training in 1999, collecting one hit along with the way for an .045 batting average.

In case you are wondering, Brooks’ lone hit — a ground single up the middle — comes off Chicago White Sox left-hander Mike Sirotka.

“I have no problems giving up the hit,” Sirotka tells the Chicago Tribune. “But since I don’t really follow country music, I don’t know the scope of all this. If he ever writes a song about this, I’ll probably never hear it.”

A year later in 2000 with the Mets, he goes hitless with four walks in 21 plate appearances.

Brooks later returns to spring training in 2004 with the Kansas City Royals, wearing No. 77 and picking up another hit – an infield single – against Seattle left-hander Mike Myers in what otherwise is another routine exhibition game.

“I was even more surprised than (Myers),” Brooks later says.

While baseball’s exhibition games in March mostly are forgettable events, Brooks’ presence at them is not forgettable as over a 20-year span his foundation raises more than $100 million for children’s charities.

“As a kid,” Brooks says, “before I could play music, I remember baseball being the one thing that could always make me happy.”