?I Just Like His Controversial Attitude?: Michael Jordan Once Surprisingly Named 5x MLB World Series Champion As His Inspiration

Hardcore NBA and Chicago Bulls fans obviously remember the time NBA legend Michael Jordan abruptly retired from the league. His Airness had once announced his retirement from the court on October 6, 1993. At the time, MJ was at the peak of his NBA career, having won three championships in a row. The Bulls legend had then stated that he had no more desire to play basketball. He shocked the world once again when he reportedly signed with the Chicago White Sox in 1994. Jordan revealed that he wanted to pursue baseball in order to fulfil his father’s wish. It is widely believed that, MJ’s decision to retire from basketball was influenced by his father’s untimely demise.

However, Jordan’s wish to be a baseball player came to an end when he decided to quit on March, 1995. On the other hand, the Bulls’ performance in the absence of Michael Jordan was underwhelming compared to previous seasons. Jordan returned to the court to play against the Indiana Pacers, wherein he scored a total of 19 points. Despite his 18 month break from the sport, Jordan performed exceptionally well as he led his team to the 1994-95 season playoffs. Fueled by a disappointing defeat in the postseason that year, Jordan and the Bulls went on to create history by winning their second three-peat from 1996-98.

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Evidently Jordan’s baseball dream was never fulfilled. While it was MJ’s father’s wish to see his son as a star baseball player, His Airness too had the desire to excel in the sport. In a 1984 interview, Jordan revealed that the MLB legend Billy Martin had inspired him to be a baseball player.

Michael Jordan reveals why he liked Billy Martin

During an interview, the host Roy Firestone had revealed to the viewers that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan once almost nearly became an NCAA baseball player. Firestone added that he knew that baseball might have been Jordan’s first love. He then asked the Bulls legend why he considered Billy Martin his biggest inspiration.

“I just like his controversial attitude. He always aroused the fans and still maintains a good record,”?said Jordan.

The host then asked the six-time NBA champion how well he played baseball. MJ replied that he ‘wasn’t that good’.?Additionally, he said that he had played baseball since he was seven years old, and continued to play till he was in the 11th grade. Jordan revealed that he did get baseball offers but eventually refused them when he started college.

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Do you think Michael Jordan would have been a MLB star if he hadn’t pursued basketball in the first place? Let us know you thoughts in the comments below!