Tim Tebow showcased his hardball talents in front of scouts from 28 major-league teams on Tuesday.
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback earned mixed reviews. But he impressed enough to likely earn offers from organizations. He ran a speedy 60-yard dash coming in at 6.6 on some clocks. He displayed power at the plate by hitting eight balls over the fence. He caught every ball hit to him. Ironically, the former NFL quarterback garnered weak ratings on his throwing.
Tebow looks to land as a corner outfielder in single- or double-A next season. Before then, he plans to play in instructional ball and then in a winter league.
At 29, the window for realizing his big-league dreams narrows as time passes. The ESPN broadcaster last played organized baseball more than a decade ago as a high school junior. He hit .494 that season.
“This isn’t about publicity,” Tebow told the press. “It’s definitely not about money. I took a pay cut to do this. For me, you pursue what you love regardless of what else happens. If you fail or fall flat on your face, and that’s the worst thing that can happen, it’s OK. When did pursuing what you love become such a bad thing?”
The tryout took place at Rod Dedeaux Field at the University of Southern California campus. Only the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A’s opted to pass on sending observers among the 30 MLB clubs.
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