Tebow's critics are all missing the best thing he's doing for baseball

Just to make this abundantly clear, based on the mounting evidence, New York Mets prospect Tim Tebow may never be a productive MLB player.

Things started off promising enough, as Tebow turned quite a few heads when he socked a three-run homer in his very first at-bat for the Double-A Binghamton Rumble Ponies.

A 3-run home run off the first pitch he saw in Double-A ball.

Tim Tebow is settling in nicely with the @RumblePoniesBB. (via @PastrickSean) pic.twitter.com/eDmBUu9njH

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 6, 2018

But things have only gotten worse since that home run.

In fact, the dinger has been Tebow’s only hit of the young season so far, as he’s gone a frigid 0-for-6 since.

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Save for the aforementioned blast, Tebow has struggled mightily in his second year as a baseball prospect. A very poor showing during spring training and his subsequent issues with the Rumble Ponies underscore what’s been a significant sophomore slump for the former Heisman Trophy winner.

Unsurprisingly, Tebow’s critics have started to come out from the woodwork in the midst of his struggles.

Dude couldn't muster an OPS north of .700 in A or A+ ball, where everyone is 6.5 to 7.5 years younger than him. His promotion to AA was publicity driven, as will his majors callup, if that ever happens. But sure dude, saying Tebow sucks at baseball is a conservative witch hunt. https://t.co/guh1H3YYGl

— The Drip Bayless of Baseball™* *ᴾᴬᵀᴱᴺᵀ ᴾᴱᴺᴰᴵᴺᴳ (@TheBDanAbstract) April 7, 2018

Nobody care's about @TimTebow the ultimate looser!! #MEGAPHONETHAT

— Rj Watkins (@RjWatkins2000) April 6, 2018

So yes, Tim Tebow’s stint as a baseball player may ultimately be remembered as a publicity stunt.

But, so what?

Sports have always been about the underdog and the journey just as much as the championships and accolades. Tebow may not ever go down in baseball’s history books, but that belies all of the good that he’s done for the sport despite his lack of statistical success.

First and foremost, while some may grouse about his name recognition being the only reason the Mets acquired him, Tebow’s popularity has undoubtedly rubbed off on minor league baseball.

The attendance figures from his time with the Columbia Fireflies and St. Lucie Mets were record-breaking. In what universe is more eyes on a product detrimental to the league?

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Second, Tebow’s popularity is exactly what baseball needs as MLB continues to lose younger fans.

Third, if Tebow is drawing more and younger viewers to baseball, that’s a win for everyone involved.

Even if Tebow were to fall short of Barry Bonds’ home run record, he’s never had any issues, real or implied, with steroids.

Even if Tebow isn’t able to steal as many bases as Pete Rose, he still never got in trouble for gambling.

Even if Tebow were to flame out, he gives baseball something that other sports leagues can only salivate over — an immensely popular figure who happens to be an actual role model.

His mannerisms, charity work and strong faith make him a “star” even if his numbers don’t. And that’s a great thing for baseball.

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