Michael Jordan is one of the greatest basketball players to ever step on the court. Jordan was the face of the NBA and propelled basketball onto the world stage. The world started watching the NBA when MJ was at its peak. Even people who weren’t fans of the game were amazed at how MJ revolutionized the sport.
However, MJ’s athleticism was not limited to basketball. After the first hat-trick with the Chicago Bulls in the years 1991,1992,1993, MJ announced his retirement from the NBA. Although his retirement was short-lived, there were many reasons for this decision. After announcing his retirement, he ventured into professional baseball in the Minor Baseball League for one season, 1993-94.
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
In his pursuit of baseball, Michael played for the Barons of Birmingham. The 30-year-old MJ, just after retiring from the NBA, played 127 games in one season. It was a testament to his athleticism. Afterwards, fans filled stadiums just to catch a glimpse of MJ in action. Although he was unproven in baseball, his NBA fame was enough to sell out.
WATCH THIS STORY: The return of Michael Jordan after his retirement.
Michael could have made it to MLB without the NBA
Recently on Twitter, a video of MJ playing baseball in a friendly game in 1994 went viral. The clip shows the speed and power he had for a completely different sport. Due to his father’s love of baseball, MJ had played baseball as a child. But to do it in front of so many fans after spending years in the NBA and creating a legacy is incredible. It showed that MJ loved challenges in his life and always wanted to overcome and come out on top.
April 7, 1994: Michael Jordan goes 2-5 with a brace and two RBIs for the White Sox in an exhibition game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field.
Harry Caray on the roll call. pic.twitter.com/D5yTaIj7A7
— This Day in Sports Clips (@TDISportsClips) April 7, 2022
Fans are still in awe that MJ played two sports at such a high level and how after leading one he could have proven his talent in the other sport as well. Fans on Twitter showered him with praise.
MJ looking good as a baseball player could become the face of baseball if he wasn’t playing basketball he just had that charisma wherever he chose to do
— mj23_world (@mj23_world) April 7, 2022
🐐
— Mojo Sports Consulting Inc. (@sportswhiz688) April 7, 2022
Because you can’t spit on wooden ground? Why the hell is this important? lmao
— benny (@bennyTOHO) April 7, 2022
yeah because everyone knows baseball players never spit🤣🤣🤣. You just saw an NBA goat get a hit and a run at the highest level of baseball and he wants to talk about why he didn’t spit like a baseball player on a wooden indoor basketball court hard ?
– Spade A. Spade (@Spade_A_Spade_) April 7, 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
ADVERTISEMENT
The article continues below this ad
MJ dabbled in baseball, mostly because of his dad. Although there were many reasons for his retirement back then, he pursued a short career in baseball due to his father’s love for the game. After one season in MLB, MJ returned to the NBA. He returned and repeated his performance before retiring, winning another hat-trick.
