ESPN’s Stephen A Smith Changes Tune: There’s ‘Hope’ for Tebow’s Baseball Future

Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow faced a lot of criticism when he announced last year he would try his hand at a baseball career at 29 years old.

One of his most vocal critics was ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith, who called Tebow’s opportunity to play baseball a “disservice” to professional baseball players. Smith did not stop there. He told Sean Hannity that he saw Tebow’s swing and “wasn’t that impressed.” The “First Take” co-host also confronted Tebow over his pursuit of a baseball career instead of football, where he excelled in college.

Tebow debuted Thursday with New York Mets Class A affiliate Columbia Fireflies, homering in his first at-bat. The outfielder then went yard Sunday in his third career minor league game.

Monday, Stephen A. Smith reacted to the power Tebow has shown so far, singing a bit of a different tune.

“There’s hope for him,” Smith said. “I’m rooting for him.”

Follow Trent Baker on Twitter @MagnifiTrent