He hasn't been a regular baseball player since high school, but that isn't stopping Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow from pursuing a return to the sport.
Tebow, who starred collegiately at Florida, made 14 starts at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in 2010-11, but his NFL career quickly fizzled out and he has since become a broadcaster for ESPN. But Tebow is hoping is days of being a pro athlete aren't completely behind him.
In fact, Tebow has been training hard right here in the Valley in an attempt to do what few men have ever done: play pro football and baseball.
"Tebow has trained for the last several months in Scottsdale, Ariz., and Los Angeles at a sport he hasn't played regularly for more than a decade," USA TODAY's A.J. Perez reported.
Former MLB catcher Chad Moeller, who played for the Arizona Diamondbacks from 2001-03, has been training Tebow at his Scottsdale-based baseball school, according to Perez.
In a statement, Moeller said he is "beyond impressed with Tim's athleticism and it goes without saying that he has shown a high level of discipline and strong work ethic," adding he believes Tebow "has the skill set and potential to achieve his goal of playing in the major leagues."
At least one former MLB player, nine-time All-Star Gary Sheffield, believes Tebow has what it takes to play pro baseball.
I spent time w @TimTebow in the cages recently, he's a NATURAL. I absolutley believe in his ability to play in the bigs. Tim has IT #focused
— Gary Sheffield (@garysheffield) August 9, 2016
Tebow will hold a workout next month that every MLB team has been invited to attend, Perez reported.
Naturally, the 28-year-old has his share of detractors.
Tebow in the cage. Judge for yourself. You tell me if that swing gets past AA. pic.twitter.com/7Ij0pfK5cv
— BEAU BISHOP (@BeauBishop) August 9, 2016
