LOS ANGELES (AP) — Tim Tebow crushed a batting-practice fastball with a confident left-handed swing, sending it into the trees next to the scoreboard beyond right field.
The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback only paused an instant to appreciate his shot, and then he went right back to work on the unlikely next chapter in his unique athletic story.
Tebow took his first big swings at a baseball career Tuesday, showing off a powerful bat and other developing skills during a workout in front of dozens of scouts and reporters.
The 29-year-old aspiring outfielder went through drills at the University of Southern California for more than an hour, confidently chasing a dream deferred for 12 years. Tebow insists he is serious about becoming more than a baseball curiosity.
“The goal would be to have a career in the big leagues,” Tebow said. “I just want to be someone to pursue what I believe in, what I’m passionate about. A lot of people will say, ‘But what if you fail? What if you don’t make it?’ Guess what? I don’t have to live with regret. I did everything I could. I pushed it. I would rather be someone that could live with peace and no regret than what-if.”
Tebow’s heavily muscled, 255-pound physique and 6.70-ish time in the 60-yard dash were impressive to the scouts. He also showed undeniable hitting ability with line drives and long homers during batting practice.