After retiring from basketball in 1993, immediately after winning his third title in a row with the Chicago Bulls, NBA superstar Michael Jordan decided to pursue a career in baseball.
He did it, in part, because he was tired of playing basketball and didn’t feel the drive to do it anymore.
He also did it because his late father, who was murdered in 1993, always wanted Michael to play in MLB.
He signed with the Chicago White Sox, who were happy to give him a shot via a minor league contract in February of 1994.
It was actually on this day, but 29 years ago.
MLB Europe remembered an iconic Jordan baseball play.
It happened in Chicago, but across town at Wrigley Field.
“Michael Jordan signed a minor league contract with the @whitesox, on this day in 1994. In one season of Double-A ball, MJ had 51 RBIs, stole 30 bags, and hit this game-tying double at an exhibition game at Wrigley Field,” they tweeted.
Michael Jordan signed a minor league contract with the @whitesox, on this day in 1994
In one season of Double-A ball, MJ had 51 RBIs, stole 30 bags, and hit this game-tying double at an exhibition game at Wrigley Field#MLB #Baseball #OTD #MLBEurope pic.twitter.com/Y76IKjrGfw
— MLB Europe (@MLBEurope) February 7, 2023
Jordan roped a hard ground ball to the third-base line that found its way to left field.
The runner scored on a close play at home plate, and MJ was seen smiling and tipping his helmet towards the dugout.
It was a very exciting play.
Those who know about baseball and watched him play say that Jordan, with a bit more seasoning and training, could have made the big leagues.
Instead, we can say that he struggled in minor league ball.
He had his moments, though, and there is no denying the man could play.
In 1995, he announced the words that all NBA fans wanted to hear: “I’m back.”
The rest is history.
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