What Position Did Michael Jordan Play In Baseball?

Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. But did you know that he also played professional baseball? Learn about Jordan’s baseball career, including what position he played.

Michael Jordan’s Baseball Career

Michael Jordan is best known for his amazing career as a basketball player, but did you know that he also played baseball? That’s right, for a short time, Michael Jordan was a baseball player. He played outfield for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team. So, what position did Michael Jordan play in baseball?

Michael Jordan’s retirement from the NBA

In October 1993, Jordan announced his retirement from the NBA, citing a loss of desire to play the game.

“I’m finally doing what I want to do,” he said. “I want to play baseball.”

Jordan’s decision to retire sent shockwaves through the sports world. Here was a player at the absolute peak of his powers, seemingly with nothing left to accomplish in basketball, choosing to walk away from the game to pursue a career in another sport.

Michael Jordan’s tryout with the Chicago White Sox

In the fall of 1994, after his first retirement from the NBA, Jordan began a new career in baseball. He joined the Birmingham Barons, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and was assigned to play outfield. Although he had not played organized baseball since high school, Jordan impressed the Barons’ staff with his athleticism and hand-eye coordination. He was invited to spring training with the White Sox in 1995 but was ultimately assigned to Birmingham again.

Michael Jordan’s signing with the Birmingham Barons

On February 7, 1994, Michael Jordan announced his retirement from professional basketball, citing a loss of interest in the game. Less than two months later, on March 31, he signed a minor league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox. The media coverage of Jordan’s new career was massive; every step he took was scrutinized by the press.

Jordan began his baseball career with the Double-A Birmingham Barons, affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. He played outfield for the Barons and wore the number 45 (his former basketball number with the Chicago Bulls had been retired). His teammates included future major leaguers Nomar Garciaparra and Robin Ventura. Garciaparra would win Rookie of the Year honors in 1997; Ventura would go on to have a successful major league career as well.

Jordan struggled at first, batting .202 with 3 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. He struck out 114 times in 497 at-bats. Despite his struggles, Jordan was promoted to the Triple-A Charlotte Knights for the final month of the season. In September he batted .316 with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs in 23 games for Charlotte.

Michael Jordan’s Baseball Statistics

Michael Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons in 1994 and the Scottsdale Scorpions in 2001. He was a center fielder for both teams. In 1994, he had a batting average of .202 with three home runs, 51 RBIs, and 30 stolen bases. In 2001, he batted .252 with one home run, 12 RBIs, and four stolen bases.

Michael Jordan’s batting average

In 1992, Michael Jordan decided to retire from the NBA to pursue a career in baseball. He played for the Birmingham Barons, a Minor League Baseball affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, as an outfield. Unfortunately, his batting average wasn’t as stellar as his basketball career. In 138 games, he only batted .202 with 3 home runs, 51 RBIs, 30 stolen bases and 114 strikeouts.

Michael Jordan’s home runs

Michael Jordan played outfield and hit three home runs during his minor league baseball career.

Michael Jordan’s stolen bases

Michael Jordan played 129 games in the minor leagues with the Birmingham Barons in 1994. He hit .202 with three home runs, 51 RBIs and 30 stolen bases.

Michael Jordan’s Baseball Legacy

Michael Jordan was one of the most successful basketball players of all time. He retired from the NBA in 2003, but made a brief return to professional basketball in 2009. In between his NBA career, Jordan tried his hand at professional baseball.

Michael Jordan’s impact on baseball

Michael Jordan is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played for the Chicago Bulls for most of his career and won six NBA championships. In 1993, Jordan retired from basketball to play baseball. He signed with the Chicago White Sox and played for their minor league affiliate, the Birmingham Barons.

Jordan’s impact on baseball was significant. He brought a lot of publicity to the sport and was one of the most popular players in the minor leagues. Jordan’s retirement from basketball resulted in a decline in television ratings for the NBA. But his signing with a baseball team helped increase interest in the sport.

In 1994, Jordan announced his retirement from baseball. He returned to basketball and led the Bulls to another three NBA championships. Jordan retired from basketball for good in 2003.

Michael Jordan’s influence on young athletes

Michael Jordan is one of the most iconic athletes of all time. He is known for his incredible skills on the basketball court, but did you know that he also had a brief career in baseball?

Jordan played baseball for a short time in the early 1990s, and while he was not as successful as he was in basketball, his influence on young athletes was profound. For many kids, Jordan was their first exposure to a black player in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Today, there are more than 20 percent African American players in MLB. This is due in part to the increased exposure that young players have to the sport, and also due to the increased opportunities for coaching and playing at higher levels.

While Jordan’s career in baseball was relatively short-lived, his impact on the sport and on young athletes continues to be felt today.