?Tell Him I Need My Redemption?: 29 Years After Starstruck Michael Jordan Incident, MLB Icon Admits He Still Holds a Grudge

In his decade-long NBA career, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has taken utter delight in embarrassing his opponents by defeating them. Widely known for his highly competitive nature, His Airness always made sure to have the last laugh when it came to any sort of matchup. Consequently, there have been many instances where certain sports veterans have opened up about the aftermath of their clash with the basketball legend. For instance, one particular baseball legend is still struggling to let go of an incident that took place over two decades ago.

Michael Jordan’s two-year stint as a baseball player is a ‘secret’ that every NBA fan is aware of. After winning his first-ever three-peat with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan retired from the league in 1993 to pursue a career in baseball. That was when he came across Class A Frederick’s starting pitcher.

MLB coach is still seeking redemption

Long before taking charge as the pitching coach for the Oakland Athletics, Scott Emerson was playing in the minor league baseball team Class A Frederick. Emerson faced Michael Jordan for the first time in 1994 when the latter was playing for White Sox’s Class A Prince William. Emerson was initially star-struck given that he was playing against one of the greatest basketball players of all time. However, his competitive nature soon dominated the fanboy in him as he drove to defeat the guy who was ‘trying to play the game that I love’.

It has been 29 years since the game took place and Emerson took the time out for an exclusive chat with MLB.com to talk about his face-off with Jordan. He expressed his consternation at getting defeated by a ‘former’ basketball player in his game and opened up about the one desire he still has.

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Emerson said, “First AB, he beat me. He hit a ground ball into right field for a base hit. Second AB, I got him. Some of me always says I wish I could get on the basketball court with him for some redemption. I tell this story living in North Carolina, now that anybody that knows MJ over there in Charlotte, tell him I need my redemption. I haven?t got it yet. Maybe I will one day.”

“I’m back”

Michael Jordan’s baseball stint only lasted for two years and returned to the league to lead the Chicago Bulls to their second three-peat. Apparently, Jordan was worried that he would become a replacement player during the MLB strike. However, the 14x NBA All-Star shocked the NBA world for the second time when announced his retirement again in 1999.

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This was when the Bulls Dynasty began falling apart. The iconic trio split up with Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman’s departure from the team and Jordan’s second retirement.