Did Michael Jordan Play Baseball?

There have been some phenomenal multi-sport athletes over the decades. Michael Jordan might not have become a baseball betting favourite for MVP at the BetMGM sportsbook, but His Airness still joined a small group of players to compete in professional basketball and baseball. 

Did Michael Jordan Play Baseball?

Yes, Michael Jordan played baseball after his first retirement from the NBA. 

Jordan hadn’t played baseball since high school. 

Why Did Michael Jordan Play Baseball?

Michael Jordan played baseball to take a break from the pressure of basketball and to honour the dream of his last father, who loved baseball. 

Jordan’s own competitive intensity had led to burnout in the NBA, leading to a mid-career hiatus in MiLB.

How Long Did Michael Jordan Play Baseball?

Michael Jordan played one season of baseball. He played 127 games as an outfielder, compiling 497 plate appearances.

Jordan had a .556 OPS with three home runs and 30 stolen bases. 

When Did Michael Jordan Play Baseball?

Michael Jordan played baseball in 1994. Jordan had retired from the NBA at the end of the 1993 season following his first three-peat with the Chicago Bulls.

He returned to the NBA in March 1995.

What Team Did Michael Jordan Play for in Baseball?

Michael Jordan played baseball for the Birmingham Barons, who were the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. 

The White Sox were – and still are – owned by Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf. Reinsdorf continued to honour Jordan’s NBA contract while he tried his hand at baseball. 

Barons manager Terry Francona believed Jordan could have made it to the majors and spoke very highly of their time working together.

Francona said, “He respected the game. I love the guy. And I don’t love the guy just in the press. I love the guy. I respect him. I appreciate how he handled everything.”