Advertisement

Updated May 11th, 2020 at 18:20 IST

Michael Jordan's final words with father before his death forced him to play baseball

Michael Jordan shocked the world by announcing his retirement in 1993. He later revealed that his father's murder in July 1993 was why he played baseball.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
michael jordan
| Image:self
Advertisement

Michael Jordan's retirement and baseball career was one area of focus in the recent The Last Dance episodes. Jordan's decision to play baseball was closely related to his father's untimely death, which Jordan briefly discussed during this week's episodes. When the six-time NBA champion had announced his first retirement, there were various rumours revolving around his decision, including his alleged gambling addiction. 

Also read | michael Jordan father asked him to forget sports for getting suspended from school

James Jordan death: Michael Jordan played baseball for two years because of his father

In 1993, Michael Jordan shocked the world by announcing his NBA retirement right after winning his third straight NBA title. While he provided no proper reason back then, Jordan later revealed it was due to his father's murder. Jordan spoke about his decision during The Last Dance's episode 7, where he discussed his father and his motivation to play baseball. 

Also read | Michael Jordan father: Steve Kerr on Michael Jordan retirement and Michael Jordan baseball career

As per Jordan, his final conversation with his father was about him leaving basketball and playing baseball. Jordan had been debating playing baseball with his father. He wanted to retire and his father told him to 'do it' as he was the one who got Jordan into baseball. A few months after his death, Jordan told the Chicago Bulls and owner Jerry Reinsdorf that he would be retiring.

During an interview, Reinsdorf added that it was always James Jordan's dream to see his son become a baseball player. Though Reinsdorf did not try to talk Michael Jordan out of his decision, he did warn him that baseball was much more difficult than he thought it was.

Also read | Michael Jordan father and Michael Jordan retirement: Did Michael Jordan quit sports and return to NBA because of his father?

Jordan played outfield for the minor league Birmingham Barons for a year and returned to basketball after two years. His brother also featured during the episode, stating that both he and Jordan thought they would end up as Major League Baseball players. Ahmad Rashad added that Jordan loves baseball and his father had always wanted him to play the sport. While retiring in 1993, Jordan had expressed the loss of his desire to play basketball.

Also read | Michael Jordan father, Michael Jordan retirement in 1993 and Michael Jordan baseball career

 

 

Advertisement

Published May 11th, 2020 at 18:20 IST

Your Voice. Now Direct.

Send us your views, we’ll publish them. This section is moderated.

Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending Quicks

The tax notice sent to the Congress party pertains to the assessment years 2017 to 2021.
a few seconds ago
A case has been registered against former minister and BRS working president KTR in Hanmakonda
5 minutes ago
Ramban Accident
16 minutes ago
Bitcoin
18 minutes ago
Lok Sabha Elections 2024 LIVE
20 minutes ago
Faridabad Fire: Massive Blaze Engulfs Factory in Bhankri Village, Panic Grips Locality
30 minutes ago
Riyan Parag
31 minutes ago
Raw Mango
34 minutes ago
Byju's leadership dispute
35 minutes ago
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Whatsapp logo