Michael Jordan's final words with father before his death forced him to play baseball

Michael Jordan's retirement and baseball career was one area of focus in  recent Last Dance episodes. Jordan's decision to play baseball was closely related to his far's untimely death, which Jordan briefly discussed during this week's episodes. When six-time NBA champion had anunced his first retirement, re were various rumours revolving around his decision, including his alleged gambling addiction. 

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James Jordan death: Michael Jordan played baseball for two years because of his far

In 1993, Michael Jordan shocked world by anuncing his NBA retirement right after winning his third straight NBA title. While he provided proper reason back n, Jordan later revealed it was due to his far's murder. Jordan spoke about his decision during Last Dance's episode 7, where he discussed his far and his motivation to play baseball. 

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As per Jordan, his final conversation with his far was about him leaving basketball and playing baseball. Jordan had been debating playing baseball with his far. He wanted to retire and his far told him to 'do it' as he was one who got Jordan into baseball. A few months after his death, Jordan told Chicago Bulls and owner Jerry Reinsdorf that he would be retiring.

During an interview, Reinsdorf added that it was always James Jordan's dream to see his son become a baseball player. Though Reinsdorf did t try to talk Michael Jordan out of his decision, he did warn him that baseball was much more difficult than he thought it was.

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Jordan played outfield for mir league Birmingham Barons for a year and returned to basketball after two years. His bror also featured during episode, stating that both he and Jordan thought y would end up as Major League Baseball players. Ahmad Rashad added that Jordan loves baseball and his far had always wanted him to play sport. While retiring in 1993, Jordan had expressed loss of his desire to play basketball.

Also read | Michael Jordan far, Michael Jordan retirement in 1993 and Michael Jordan baseball career