Arrogance

This is the Captain’s general guiding philosophy of life.

But then there’s Tim Tebow. 

Today he signed a contract to play baseball for the Mets.

Well, sort of.

Before we go there, let’s back up and look at Tim Tebow’s life and career thus far.

Tim Tebow was born in the Philippines to Christian missionaries. There were complications along the way, and doctors recommended his parents abort the pregnancy. But their Christian faith prevented them from doing so.

Tim was born. Healthy.

He and his siblings were home-schooled, but due to a Florida law he was allowed to participate in sports in the local high schools. Seeing an opportunity to excel, he moved to an apartment in Ponte Vedra so he could play for Nease High School.

The same high school, by the way, from which the Captain’s nephew graduated.

 

After completing high school, Tebow signed on with the Florida Gators, where he enjoyed a stellar four years. He led the Gators to a BCS championship in 2008, and garnered a Heisman Trophy as a sophomore.

He is mentioned in college record books on several pages.

But Tebow became famous not just for his abilities on the field but also for his Christian faith. His eye-black proclaimed “John 3:16” and later “Proverbs 3:5-6”.  And after scoring a touchdown, he would kneel in the endzone – thanking God? – which became known as “Tebow-ing”.

Was it a faith-witness, or simply posing? You decide.

Does God really care if Tim Tebow scores a touchdown?

Public opinion was divided.

Nonetheless, Tebow entered the NFL draft in 2010. He was selected by the Denver Broncos in the first round, but the Broncos organization knew that Tebow needed some polishing. This was not college anymore.

Captain’s Note: During my first year of college, the Captain was required to write a paragraph for English class. The professor returned it with a big red “F” on it. When I protested to the prof – after all, I excelled in English in high school… was even the Editor of the high school newspaper – the prof simply replied, “But you are not in high school anymore.”

The best thing that ever happened to me.

Tebow eventually moved up to starter, but in 2012, when the aging Peyton Manning became a free agent, the Broncos quickly dumped Tebow. The New York Jets picked him up, but sent him to the Patriots in 2013. After a fallow year, the Eagles picked up Tebow in 2015.

So playing football didn’t work out. He eventually signed on as a college football announcer, working for the SECNetwork.

This summer, Tim Tebow decided on a different career path. He announced that now he wants to play baseball. In the mind of Tim Tebow, how hard could it be?

After all, he had played baseball in high school.

Arrogance.

Who do you think you are? Bo Jackson?

Tebow had visions of playing for the Dodgers. Turns out it wasn’t quite so easy.

Today he signed with the New York Mets.

And his Wikipedia page has already been updated: “a professional baseball outfielder in the New York Mets organization.”

Seriously? That’s how you describe it?

Arrogance.

In reality, he signed with the Mets’ minor league organization.

Actually, less than minor league. “Instructional League”.

That’s not 3A.

Or 2A.

Or 1A.

When the Captain was in college, the Memphis Chicks were “1A”… and it was pretty sad.

So don’t expect to see Tim Tebow in the majors any time soon.

Captain’s Note: To be fair, the sticking point for signing with other teams was that he wanted to keep his sports announcing gig in addition to playing ball, which most teams naturally wouldn’t accept. It probably wasn’t a bad idea for Tebow. “Keep your day job.”

As much as the Captain wants to cheer for Tim Tebow, as a man “chasing his dreams”, I have trouble doing that.

He is arrogant.

Is the Captain being too harsh? Consider this: he is already selling autographed baseballs and bats...

...on the same day he signed on with the “instructional league”.

Seriously?

The Captain is so done with you, Tim Tebow.