Tebow, he’s an All-Star

By
gatorsports
-
9
3460
Tim Tebow, playing for the Binghamton Ruble Ponies, prepares to bat in the first inning against the Portland Sea Dogs in a Double-A baseball game in Binghamton, N.Y. (AP Photo/Matt Smith)

By Gene Frenette, GateHouse Media Services

While many observers gave Tim Tebow almost zero chance of reaching the big leagues when the New York Mets signed him in 2016 after a decade-long absence from playing baseball, it must now be acknowledged the former NFL quarterback is no longer a complete long-shot.

By no means is Tebow (University of Florida) ready yet for the big leagues or as deserving of a September call-up than Mets prospects like former Binghamton Rumble Ponies teammatePeter Alonso, an ex-Florida standout now with Triple-A Las Vegas. But the 2007 Heisman Trophy recipient appears to be ascending for the first time in his pro career.

Through 22 games in June, he’s hitting a robust .309, which is 52 points better than any of his previous seven full months in pro ball. Yes, 68 at-bats is a small sample size, but opposing coaches in the Double-A Eastern League are taking notice that Tebow is less overwhelmed in the batter’s box. Hitting seventh in the order, he’s not as easy an out as when he struck out 67 times in 145 at-bats during April and May.

Remember, the Mets signing Tebow was originally lampooned as a marketing ploy. Speculation will surely mount that the struggling NL East team might promote the 30-year-old outfielder to the big leagues for meaningless games in September.

However, the Mets should do Tebow a favor and let him put together a strong second half of the season before even considering a move to the Big Apple. His batting average is up to a respectable .261, but he’s still striking out once every three at-bats. It’ll give the Mets and Tebow more credibility if they make him earn the promotion by becoming a more consistent contact hitter, instead of forcing the issue because he’s a big name who would spike attendance at Citi Field.

Besides, if Tebow can keep improving and show the world that his recent surge isn’t an analomy, he might pull off a big-league miracle that nobody envisioned when the Mets agreed to give him a uniform.

One thing is certain: Tebow has gone from a baseball publicity stunt to a fairly credible Double-A ballplayer. Unlike Michael Jordan, who hit .202 in one season with the Birmingham Barons, the chances of Tebow getting to the big leagues can no longer be easily dismissed.

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR

9 COMMENTS

  1. I just say don’t bet against him. Don’t dismiss him. And please why do people feel the need to ridicule him.

    I like has chances. I think he will tinker around some more and figure it out meaning he will make a major league all Star team at least once.

  2. Always proud of Tim Tebow. He’s extremely fortunate to have the personal resources to pursue his fantasy dreams and I believe all of wish Timmy the very best. Can he hit a Major League curveball? Doubt it.
    If he proves someday he can do so his story will read like a true life modern fairy tale. Meantime, he provides a happy diversion from the toxic divisions, verbal spleen-splitting news and violence otherwise before us day by day in the media. We all should give thanks for Tim Tebow.

  7. You can never count out a person like Tebow. He is a very dedicated person in everything that he does beginning with his faith, and that carries through his whole life. He will work harder than any other player on any team he’s on, and those currently on his minor league team that may feel that he’s only there as publicity might need to notice when they get to the ballpark to practice and when they leave to when Tebow does. Most of those guys are the ones who aren’t ready to put in the work it takes to move on to the next level. Don’t know if he’ll ever make it to the majors, but i’ll never count him out of anything he sets himself out to do.