Tim Tebow gives critics the perfect response during his intro conference
New York Mets prospect Tim Tebow is ready to start the 2018 regular season with the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
The former Heisman Trophy winner-turned-baseball player has dealt with his fair share of critics, especially after he went 1-for-18 in spring training with the major league club.
But that hasn’t deterred the 30-year-old from pursuing his passion, despite the countless naysayers who say that he’s wasting his time, that he’s nothing more than a sideshow and that he’ll never get called up to play for the Mets.
At his introductory news conference Tuesday for the Rumble Ponies, Tebow acknowledged the critics, but said he sees no reason to pay attention to them. Instead, he is committed to pursuing his own passions, no matter what other people say.
“I try not to listen to too many of the critics or what other say,” he said, according to The Press & Sun Bulletin. “I’m so grateful I get to live a life that’s about my dreams, my passions and what I want to pursue, and I don’t have to live a life that other people want me to live. That’s kind of a cool thing about America.”
Last season, his first in pro baseball, Tebow got a lot of attention, both positive and negative. But it’s the way he deals with the latter than defines his character.
Tebow told reporters about a four-game away series where one of the jumbotrons played nothing but the worst parts of his college and NFL career — all the interceptions, fumbles and other gaffes. But even that didn’t get get him down.
“It’s just something you put up with, but more than anything, just have fun with,” he said.
Tebow hopes his positive attitude in the face of adversity can be a good example for his teammates.
And as much he appreciates support from fans, he knows it can be fleeting.
“You can never let your identity be defined by fans or cheers or boos, because honestly, it’s great to have support, but it can change really fast,” Tebow said. “The same people who are cheering you an inning later can boo you. As an athlete you have to be tunnel-visioned and have a focus and a goal. That can’t be swayed by 4-for-4 or 0-for-your-last-12.”
Last year, Tebow certainly did have his fair share of slumps. In 126 games with two minor league clubs, he hit .226, with eight home runs and 52 runs batted in.
On Tuesday, Tebow called his 2017 season “learning by fire,” and suggested that his year of experience was beneficial.
“I think it was competing for a season and then being able to take all the highs and the lows, the good and the bad, look at it then kind of categorize it and say, ‘OK, I really want to get better at these few things and go to work on that,'” Tebow said, according to WNEP.
Rumble Ponies manager Luis Rojas thinks Tebow has the potential to be a good power hitter with a great eye at the plate. He even believes Tebow is “one of the guys” with enough talent to make it to the majors.
“I think he’s got great strike zone discipline. He’s a guy that works the zone, works the count, battles at bat. His power display has been unbelievable,” Rojas said. “I think he’s a guy that can hit for power. His raw power is above average.”
Tebow, an outfielder, should get significant playing time once the Rumble Ponies kick off their season on Thursday. Rojas said Tebow will be part of a four- or five-man rotation in the outfield, and he’ll also get some at-bats as a designated hitter.
“I can’t wait to start on Thursday night,” Tebow said. “I’m really looking forward to it. I’m having a lot of fun playing this game.”
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