Tim Tebow is reportedly interested in playing professional baseball and the Birmingham Barons have already taken to social media to let the former football star and current ESPN commentator know that they are interested in bringing him to the Magic City.
“Hey Tim Tebow, we heard you want to play pro ball. Have your people call our people,” the Barons wrote on their official Facebook page, along with a photoshopped image of Tebow in a Barons uniform.
Other minor league teams showed interest as well after Tebow’s agent released a statement to the press Tuesday morning confirming the rumors.
“This may sound like a publicity stunt, but nothing could be further from the truth,” agent Brodie Van Wagenen said. “I have seen Tim’s workouts, and people inside and outside the industry — scouts, executives, players and fans — will be impressed by his talent. As an agent, I have a genuine respect for how hard it is to succeed at the game of baseball and a true admiration for those who possess the talent to play it at the Major League level. Tim’s tool set is real.”
Chad Moeller, a former Dodgers and USC catcher, told the L.A. Times that he has been training Tebow.
“I am beyond impressed with Tim’s athleticism and swing, and it goes without saying that he has shown a high level of discipline and strong work ethic,” Moeller said. “I see bat speed and power and real baseball talent. I truly believe Tim has the skill set and potential to achieve his goal of playing in the Major Leagues, and based on what I have seen over the past two months, it could happen relatively quickly.”
The only stats to back up Moeller’s assessment are from Tebow’s high school career. His junior year at Nease High School in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, Tebow hit .494 and was likely to get drafted by a Major League team. However, he decided the following year to focus full time on football.
If Tebow landed in Birmingham, it wouldn’t be the first time the Barons had a star from another sport. NBA legend Michael Jordan came to Birmingham for one season in 1994 after deciding to take a hiatus from Basketball. He hit .202 with three home runs, then resumed his career with the Chicago Bulls.
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