Derek Jeter Recalls How NBA Great Michael Jordan Left His 19-Year-Old Self Amazed When They First Met

After winning his third NBA Championship in 1993, GOAT Michael Jordan shocked his entire fanbase, and the world of MLB, by announcing an abrupt retirement from his recently taking off NBA career. Following his first retirement from basketball, MJ delivered another not-so-pleasant surprise by signing a minor league baseball contract with the American League’s Chicago White Sox.

Yes, that’s right. Jordan spent an entire year in the little leagues.

Simultaneous with Jordan signing a contract with the White Sox, the New York Yankees signed future legend, Derek Jeter, for $800,000 in the same year. Analogous to that, the two ensuing superstars first met at the Arizona Fall League when Jordan was playing at second base.

The first time Captain Clutch met Michael Jordan

In a recent interview with Drink Champs, Derek Jeter recalls the first time he met Michael Jordan. While Jordan won Minor League Player of the Year in 1994, he dubbed Jordan as a top prospect in the little league. In the minor league, Jordan played for the Birmingham Barons, before moving to Scottsdale Scorpions in Arizona.

He said, “Michael and I met when he was actually playing baseball. So, he was playing baseball, and there’s this league called the Arizona Fall League, where they take the top prospects in the minor leagues. When the season’s over, they play an extra few weeks in Arizona. So this is where I met Michael for the first time. I was 19 years old, I had just won minor league player of the year. And Michael’s playing in Scottsdale and he was on second base in Arizona.” 

Jeter humorously added, “So he was on second base, and the first thing he said to me was ‘what’s up DJ?’ I’m like, is there another DJ behind me?”

Read More: “…You Can Play in the Major Leagues” – Derek Jeter Divulges Into Making a Shocking Prediction About Michael Jordan’s Baseball Career Had He Not Retired

Moving on, Jeter spoke about his alluring relationship with the shooting guard. Jeter says, “From that point forward, he just always looked out for me. And I appreciated it. It taught me how to handle yourself not only on the field, off the field. I still go to him for advice.”

Why did MJ quit baseball?

During the MLB strike in March 1995, Jordan feared his eventual promotion to the major league. Moreover, he was apprehensive about turning into a replacement player if he did manage to make it to the major leagues.

Analogous to that, within one year of being on the verge of signing a contract with the White Sox, MJ chose to quit baseball and announced his return to the NBA with a two-word press release: “I’m back.”

Watch this story: From Mariah Carey to Lara Dutta: Derek Jeter’s star-studded dating history

What do you think would’ve happened if MJ continued to play baseball? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.