Many may view Tim Tebow’s minor league progression with the New York Mets as a cynical marketing ploy, but at least a few Major League Baseball All-Stars are rooting for him to succeed.
ESPN.com spoke to several All-Stars in Miami about Tebow, and those surveyed unanimously said they were hoping he’d be a success in the sport of baseball.
“I’m pulling for him, to be honest with you,” said Colorado Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. “I want him to do well; I don’t want to see him fail. You’re gonna fail in baseball because it’s baseball, but I wanna see him do well.”
Detroit Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer, who came up through the Mets’ system, agreed.
“I think it’s awesome what he’s doing,” Fulmer said. “Obviously, he got promoted to St. Lucie, and knowing some of the coaching staff that are working with him, he’s in good hands. I’ve kind of just been seeing what’s popped up on Twitter, and he’s doing a good job. I think it’s great for him to believe in his dream and try to follow it, try to get to the big leagues.”
Michael Conforto, who has encountered Tebow as a member of the Mets’ organization, thinks the former quarterback is serious about his baseball career.
“I actually was down in high-A for a rehab assignment and I played with him,” Conforto said. “One thing I’ll say about him is he always takes good at-bats. He’s got a good eye, he doesn’t chase, and I think really that’s half the battle in the game of baseball as far as being a good hitter.
“With how much skill it takes to play this game, for him to take that much time off [and compete in the minor leagues] is pretty impressive. … Having met him, I know he’s genuine about it. He does want to play baseball. He’s a great guy, and from what I know talking to players that play with him, he’s a great teammate as well.”
Chicago Cubs closer Wade Davis had a much more succinct message: “Big Tebow fan. Get some, Tebow!”
Tebow has actually been mashing since his promotion to High-A, hitting .318 with a .500 slugging percentage.
