Former quarterback Danny Kanell finds similarities in Tim Tebow's aspirations for baseball, reflecting his own past career shift.
Danny Kanell, an ESPN college football analyst and co-host of ESPN Radio's Russillo and Kanell, has some interesting insights to share about Tim Tebow's return to baseball after his NFL career.
Kanell, a former Florida State QB standout and six-year NFL veteran, found himself in a similar situation when he joined the Chicago Bears of the independent Atlantic League in 2001. Having been a starting quarterback for two seasons with the New York Giants, Kanell took to the baseball field at the age of 27, having last played baseball as a college sophomore.
Kanell was drafted in the 19th round of the 1992 MLB draft by the Milwaukee Brewers out of high school and again in the 25th round by the New York Yankees as a junior in 1995. In 25 games playing third base and first base for the Chicago Bears, he hit .237 with one home run and six RBIs.
His stint with the Bears was marked by a significant moment - facing ex-big league closer Mitch 'Wild Thing' Williams. Despite going 0-for-3 against Williams, Kanell's performance with the Bears may have helped him win over the locker room due to his likability. His teammates included former major leaguers Pete Incaviglia, Jack Armstrong, and Hensley Meulens, and even baseball legend Rickey Henderson.
Kanell believes there's a better chance than most people will give Tebow to succeed in baseball due to his exceptional athleticism. He commends Tebow's decision to pursue baseball and predicts that Tebow's biggest challenge will be his first at-bat when he sees a breaking ball, as he may react in a way that could lead to him being out.
Tebow, a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback at Florida, is scheduled to work out for scouts from up to 20 major league teams in Los Angeles. His baseball aspirations resonate with Kanell, who also played baseball after a career in the NFL. Kanell's experience of playing baseball after his NFL career might provide some insight into the challenges Tebow may face.
Most memorable for Kanell was facing Mitch Williams during his time with the Bears. The experience, while challenging, left a lasting impression on him, highlighting the parallels between the two athletes' journeys.
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