Comparisons between the MLB and the NBA are nothing new. For decades, there has been a fierce debate over whether baseball or basketball is America’s favorite pastime. To specific player-to-player matchups, the two leagues have been endlessly and carefully analyzed and contrasted. But this time the case is different. Why? It’s because Deion Sanders has made an ultimate comparison that everyone should take notice of, but not for Jordan as a baseball player.

In a recent video posted by Yahoo Sports on X, the head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes team, Deion Sanders, made a comparison between the NBA great Michael Jordan and Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani. “Ohtani is… that man is… he’s incredible, man. I mean you can compare him to Jordans and Tom Brady’s of the world. He’s doing things that we haven’t fathomed,” said Sanders in the video.

It can be said that Shohei Ohtani really is waving through the baseball pitches. The 30-year-old started this season breaking Hideki Matsui’s record for the most number of home runs hit by a Japanese player. Matsui held the record for 175 homers, but Ohtano broke that by hitting his 176th homer on April 22nd, which landed in Dodgers Stadium’s right-field pavilion. But the fire didn’t stop there. How? The DH recently entered the 50-50 club by becoming the first player and Dodger to reach 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a single season. But these are his personal achievements.

One may ask what are the similarities between him and His Airness. There are plenty. They both became All-Stars consecutively four times in the first five years of their career in America. Along with this, they both possess the ability to handle different positions. Jordan was able to handle both the offenses and defenses on the court, while Ohtani is a two-way phenom who can pitch to the same standard that he bats.

Both athletes are known for their exceptional athleticism, work ethic, and competitive spirit. Then what’s the difference that is creating a line between them? Their championships. While Jordan has a list of rings under his name, Ohtani has yet to win one. His initial progress was slowed down during his time with the Los Angeles Angels but after his $700 million trade to the Dodgers. The fans have high hopes for him. But is Sanders the right guy to make such a statement? Yes, he is. Why? Before playing in the NFL, the 57-year-old had spent nine seasons in the MLB. ‘Prime Time‘ played as an outfielder for the teams New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants.

Deion Sanders may be on to something with his Jordan comparison. Ohtani’s impact on the game of baseball is still in its nascent stages, but the early returns suggest that we may be witnessing the dawn of a new era – one in which a single athlete can dominate their sport in ways that have never been seen before. However, did you know that His Airnes once had a small stint in the MLB?

Michael Jordan’s short-stint in the MLB

Michael Jordan which is a name synonymous with basketball, briefly ventured into another sport that is Major League Baseball. In 1994, after winning his third consecutive NBA championship with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan announced his retirement from basketball. Seeking a new challenge, he turned his attention to baseball which is a sport he had played in high school.

The Chicago Bulls veteran joined the minor league Birmingham Barons, which is a Chicago White Sox affiliate. In his first year, he delivered pretty good results considering he was a new player. The former basketball player at the time had a batting percentage of .202, with an RBI of 51. However, the timing and precision required for hitting and fielding were a stark contrast to the fluid movements and aerial acrobatics of basketball. Jordan struggled to adapt to the demands of the sport.

His Airness left the sports in 1995 fearing that he might become a replacement player during the Major League Baseball strike and returned to MLB later that year. Jordan’s attempt to conquer another sport showcased his versatility and willingness to challenge himself, further cementing his status as one of the greatest athletes of all time.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.