CHICAGO — David Hernandez has great respect for what Tim Tebow did on the football field.
But as for Tebow’s bid to become a Major League Baseball player at age 29 after not having played the game since he was a junior in high school — well, Hernandez has some strong opinions.
The Phillies‘ relief pitcher first voiced them on Twitter when Tebow announced his intentions two weeks ago and echoed them when it was announced Tuesday that the former Heisman trophy-winning quarterback had scheduled a private showcase for major-league scouts to be held next week in Los Angeles. As a matter of curiosity and due diligence, the Phillies will have a scout peek in on Tebow’s workout. As many as 20 other teams are expected to be on hand as well.
I’ve run a few routes in the outfield for some cardio over the years… I think I’ll go tryout for the NFL after baseball is over.
— David Hernandez (@DHern_30) August 9, 2016
“I think it’s ridiculous,” Hernandez said of Tebow’s bid to reach the majors. “Hats off to him for getting an opportunity, but I just don’t think it’s very plausible that he’ll get anywhere.
“Nothing against him, but just from the standpoint that getting to the major leagues is a long grind. It’s not easy. There’s a lot of work that goes into it.
“It’s kind of a slap in the face for him to say, ‘I think I’ll grab my things and go play pro baseball.’ It’s not that easy.”
Hernandez, 31, pitched in high school and college then spent more than four seasons in the minors before getting to the majors with Baltimore in 2009. Before signing with the Phillies last winter, he pitched for Arizona and survived Tommy John surgery.
In other words, he’s put in the time. He knows how difficult it is to make the climb to the majors.
So does catcher Cameron Rupp. He was recruited to play linebacker at Iowa, but baseball was his first love and playing in the majors his goal. He played three years for his home state Texas Longhorns before being selected by the Phillies in the third round of the 2010 draft.
Rupp laughed when he first heard of Tebow’s intention.
He remained skeptical when he heard Tebow had lined up a showcase.
“If that’s what he wants to do — good luck,” Rupp said. “Guys play a long time trying to get where we are. And those that are here are trying to stay here. Staying here is the tough part.
“High school is one thing. A lot of guys play high school and were good and get to pro ball and are overmatched. He’s an athlete, no question. But you can’t go 10 years without seeing live pitching and all of the sudden some guy is throwing 95 (mph). That will be a challenge.
“I don’t know if he thinks baseball is easy. It’s not. It’ll be interesting.”
Bench coach Larry Bowa is a huge sports fan, loves football and loves what Tebow did on the field at the University of Florida.
But Bowa has been in pro ball for 50 years. He played in the majors for 16 years and has managed and coached in the majors. Like Hernandez and Rupp, Bowa is skeptical about Tebow’s chances and he wonders about the former quarterback’s overall understanding of the challenge he faces.
“Whosever idea it is, they don’t respect the game of baseball,” Bowa said. “It’s a hard game. You don’t come in at age 28 or 29. I’m not saying he’s not a good athlete, but this is a hard game and there are a lot of good athletes in pro ball that never get to the big leagues.
“I don’t think it can happen. There are guys 28 or 29 that are getting released everyday. How can you take 10 years off and all of the sudden be facing guys throwing 95, guys throwing sliders?”
Tebow did show some baseball tools as an outfielder/pitcher in high school. He hit .494 with four homers and 30 RBIs as a junior at Nease HS in Ponte Vedra, Florida, before giving up baseball to focus on football. He played three seasons in the NFL with the Broncos and Jets but failed to stick.
Clearly, he still has the competitiveness, desire and work ethic that he took to the gridiron. It’s just difficult to see that ever getting him to the major leagues.
But if he ever does …
“Who knows, maybe I’ll face him,” critic David Hernandez said with a laugh. “Hopefully he doesn’t hit a home run off me. That would be the ultimate comeback.”
