Chicago White Sox History: Michael Jordan Leaves Baseball
By David Hill
When Michael Jordan made the decision to leave basketball and join the Chicago White Sox, it was quite a shock. It was not nearly surprising when, on this day in 1995, he reversed that decision and left baseball behind.
Long before Tebow-Mania found its way to the baseball diamond, there was another star from another sport attempting to make his way in baseball. Only, this decision, and sudden appearance on the diamond was far more of a shock, as Michael Jordan was still in the prime of his career.
And, yet, there Michael Jordan was in Spring Training, wearing a Chicago White Sox uniform and trying to make his way as an outfielder. His father, who was a serious baseball fan, had recently passed away, and Jordan wanted to honor his memory by giving the sport a try. At least, that was the public reasoning, although there are other theories as to why Jordan suddenly departed the NBA.
Assigned to the Birmingham Barons, Jordan struggled. He produced a .202/.289/.266 batting line, while leading the Southern League with 11 errors in the outfield. Jordan did finish tied for fifth with 30 steals, but he was also caught 18 times. Given that performance, it was not a surprise when, on this day in 1995, Jordan announced that he was leaving baseball behind.
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It proved to be the right decision. He went back to the NBA and continued his dominant form. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bulls, having seen their run of three consecutive championships end when Jordan retired. Then, once he came back, the Bulls won three more. He did not miss a step in his time away from the game.
Jordan, however, actually had a lasting impact upon the Barons. Instead of traveling about in a cramped bus, Jordan purchased what came to be known as the Jordan Cruiser. It was a 45 foot bus with reclining seat and a lounge in the back. There, Jordan could command the room, and travel in luxury.
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It was strange to see Michael Jordan on the baseball diamond after his dominant performance in the NBA. It turned out that his career in the Chicago White Sox organization lasted but a single season, as he walked away from baseball on this day in 1995.