Nov 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Scottsdale Scorpions designated hitter Tim Tebow of the New York Mets smiles in the dugout against the Glendale Desert Dogs during an Arizona Fall League game at Camelback Ranch. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Tim Tebow was born to be a star. He was an accomplished National Champion and Heisman Trophy Winner at the University of Florida. What stood out about him was his charisma. He was confident and always spoke with a charming idealism. He was the face of Christiandom in sports. His college career seemed to be nothing but success.
However, this idealism may be his downfall in his NFL career. He has the size to be a tight end in the NFL and the speed to be a running back. However, he stuck to his guns and decided to be a quarterback. The Broncos took the risk and he actually was the quarterback on a playoff winning team. He then bounced around to other teams including the Jets, Patriots and the Eagles twice. However, the league realized he did not have what it takes to even be a reliable backup in the NFL.
It seems almost by fate that he tried his hand at baseball. People thought it was a spectacle when the former high school baseball star tried out for the Major Leagues. He ended up signing with the Mets. He also progressed in his minor league career and is currently in A ball for the St. Lucie Mets. There has been touching story after touching story in his minor league career touching the hearts of fans with acts of kindness to fans in the stands. He has even had some success with a twelve game hitting streak in July.
So Tebow’s new dream is Baseball and Baseball needs Tebow. In an age of smart phones and “always on” lifestyles the attention span for America’s pastime is dwindling. Baseball is falling in popularity to football and basketball. What it needs is a rebirth. It started to get one with the home run race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. Their reputations were tarnished by allegations of steroids. What baseball needs is a face and Tebow is that clean, voice that can remind people of baseball’s traditions and past symbolism in America.
