![]() ![]() The media attention surrounding Jordan’s decision to play baseball Jordan entered the league with a new jersey number, stating that ‘I didn’t want to go to 23 because I knew my father wasn’t there to watch me…and I felt it was a new beginning, and 45 was my first number when I played in highschool.” Jordan would report for training that spring, later being assigned to their minor league affiliate team, the Birmingham Barons of the Southern League. Jerry Reinsdorf was also owner of the MLB’s Chicago White Sox and signed Jordan in 1994. The decision sent a shockwave through the NBA and the media, but those closest to Jordan including his teammates and Chicago Bulls owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, understood and respected Jordans need for a change. On October 6th, 1993 Jordan announced he would be retiring from the NBA stating a waning love for the game and the recent death of his father as the reasons behind his decision. Jordan said that one of the final conversations he’d had with his father before his death was about retiring and giving baseball a shot, which James had passionately encouraged. Adding to his reservations was the media scrutiny, celebrity status, and the general fatigue from the Dream Team in the 1992 Summer Olympics and his NBA three-peat championship run. Jordan’s decision to retire from basketball and pursue a baseball careerĪs early as 1992, Jordan and his father had been discussing his fading love for basketball and the overwhelming pressure. Jordan lost his father, his best friend and his main support network, and seemingly his love for basketball alongside it. But then, in 1993, James Jordan was tragically murdered. Jordan’s father was the one who encouraged Jordan to play baseball as a kid, and it was his dream for his son that one day he might pursue that despite his success in the NBA. His father was there to offer him advice when needed, steer him back on track when it looked like he was going down the wrong path, and could be seen supporting from the stands for all his major basketball achievements including his three-peat during 1991-1993. James Jordan offered solidarity and support to his son, with Jordan describing him as “my rock” during an episode of The Last Dance. You will no doubt recognise Jordan’s tongue-popping displays as he drove to the basket, but you might not know that he imitated that from James who he used to see do this when he was focused on his work. The relationship Jordan had with his father, James Jordan, was as close as one could get. Jordan’s relationship with his father, who influenced his love of baseball: Baseball” by the Dixie Youth Association. When he was 12, he was even named North Carolina’s “Mr. It now seems funny to think of an alternate world where Jordan chose to pursue baseball instead of basketball, but it almost happened! As a kid Jordan loved baseball, played it in his teenage years as No.45 and grew up alongside his father who had a deep passion for it and almost chose to pursue baseball professionally prior to his decision to join the NBA. It’s also been speculated that had Jordan not pursued baseball which helped to reignite his love for basketball, whether he would have transitioned back to the NBA at all, let alone in time to give us the amazing 1996-1998 Chicago Bulls three-peat. It was not something he went into half-heartedly, but something he gave 100% of his effort to thrive in despite the odds, and despite his success in basketball looming over him. Although there are mixed reviews on Jordan’s time playing baseball and the level of success he really achieved, we think it is a keen display of Jordan’s determination as an athlete. ![]()
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