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Michael Jordan is a former professional basketball player who played 15 seasons in the NBA. Jordan first retired from basketball in 1993, citing physical and mental exhaustion from the sport and his superstardom. He then pursued a career in baseball, playing for the Birmingham Barons, a minor-league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. After 17 months, Jordan returned to the NBA, announcing his comeback with the iconic words, I'm back. He rejoined the Chicago Bulls, with whom he had won three championships before his baseball career.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason for leaving basketball | Physical and mental exhaustion |
| Year of retirement from basketball | 1993 |
| Year of return to basketball | 1995 |
| Number of years away from basketball | 2 |
| Team returned to | Chicago Bulls |
| Number worn | 45 |
| First game of the season | Against Indiana Pacers |
| Average points per game in the season | 26.9 |
| Outcome of the season | Eliminated in the second round by Orlando Magic |
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What You'll Learn
Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995
Michael Jordan, one of the greatest basketball players of all time, made a sensational return to the NBA in March 1995, joining the Chicago Bulls once again. Jordan's first retirement from the NBA in 1993 shocked the basketball world, as he was at the peak of his career, having just led the Bulls to a three-peat (three consecutive NBA championships). Jordan, however, decided to pursue a career in baseball, honouring his father's dream for him.
Jordan's hiatus from the NBA lasted 21 months, during which he played Minor League Baseball for the Birmingham Barons, a minor-league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. His decision to step away from basketball was driven by physical and mental exhaustion, as he cited the need for a new challenge and a break from the pressures of being a global superstar. Jordan's father, James, who was tragically murdered in July 1993, had envisioned him as a professional baseball player, and this became a motivating factor for Jordan's career shift.
In March 1995, Jordan made the surprising announcement that he was returning to the hardwood. With two iconic words, "I'm back," Jordan signalled his intention to rejoin the Bulls midway through the 1994-95 NBA season. The Bulls were struggling with a 34-31 record when Jordan rejoined, and his presence immediately injected new life into the team. Jordan's first game back was against the Indiana Pacers, where he recorded 19 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds, despite the Bulls losing by seven points.
Jordan's return to the NBA was a highly anticipated event, and he didn't disappoint. Although the Bulls were eliminated in the second round of the 1995 playoffs by the Orlando Magic, Jordan averaged an impressive 26.9 points per game that season. The 1995-96 season marked a new chapter in Jordan's illustrious career, as he led the Bulls to a then-record 72 regular-season wins and their fourth championship, initiating another three-peat. Jordan's comeback solidified his status as a legend, demonstrating his unwavering dedication to the sport and his ability to adapt and excel, even after a hiatus.
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He wore a No. 45 jersey for the Chicago Bulls
Michael Jordan, widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time, returned to the NBA in March 1995 after a 17-month hiatus, during which he pursued a career in baseball. Jordan, who initially wore the number 23 jersey for the Chicago Bulls, donned the number 45 jersey upon his return.
Jordan's decision to wear the number 45 jersey was tied to the tragic murder of his father, James, in July 1993. In his autobiography, "For the Love of the Game", Jordan explained that he didn't want to wear the same number his father had last seen him play in. He saw his return to the NBA as a new beginning and so chose to wear number 45, his jersey number as a high school baseball player at Laney High.
Jordan's return to the NBA with a new jersey number created a stir among fans and collectors alike. His number 23 jersey had become iconic, and the sudden switch to number 45 caught everyone by surprise. However, despite the initial shock, fans accepted Jordan's explanation for the change. Jordan wore the number 45 jersey for the Chicago Bulls for 23 games before reverting to his famous number 23.
The number 45 jersey holds a unique place in Jordan's career narrative. It symbolises his brief hiatus from basketball, his tribute to his late father, and his desire for a fresh start. Although short-lived, the number 45 jersey became a collector's item, with fans and collectors seeking to own a piece of this significant chapter in Jordan's illustrious career.
In summary, Michael Jordan's choice to wear the number 45 jersey for the Chicago Bulls carried emotional weight and represented his respect for his father's dreams and his own journey of self-discovery during his time away from the NBA.
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Jordan's first game back was against the Indiana Pacers
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, returned to the NBA in 1995 after a hiatus of 17 months. Jordan's first game back was against the Indiana Pacers, where he scored 19 points despite not being in basketball shape. The game ended in a loss for the Chicago Bulls.
Jordan's return to the NBA was announced via a fax sent by his agent, David Falk, on March 18, 1995. The announcement came midway through the 1994-95 NBA season, with Jordan rejoining the Bulls, who were 34-31 at the time. Jordan's initial retirement from the NBA had shocked fans, as he stepped away from the game at his peak after leading the Bulls to a third consecutive championship during the 1992-93 season.
Jordan's decision to retire from basketball was influenced by physical and mental exhaustion, as well as the tragic loss of his father, James, in July 1993. Jordan pursued a career in professional baseball, signing a minor-league deal with the Barons ahead of the 1994 MLB season. Jordan's only season in the minors saw him hit .202/.290/.266 over 127 games, with three home runs and 30 stolen bases.
Upon his return to the NBA, Jordan played a total of 17 regular-season games with the Bulls during the 1994-95 season. The team went 13-4 with Jordan, securing the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Jordan averaged 26.9 points during this stretch, finishing 11th in MVP voting. Despite some initial challenges, Jordan quickly regained his form and led the Bulls to a record-breaking 1995-96 season, capturing another championship and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest athletes of all time.
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He averaged 26.9 points per game that season
Yes, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA after his brief baseball career. Jordan's first retirement from the NBA shocked fans. He retired from basketball at 29, citing physical and mental exhaustion from the game and his superstardom. He decided to pursue a career in professional baseball, honouring his father, James, who was murdered in July 1993. James reportedly envisioned Michael as a professional baseball player, which inspired him to give the sport a shot.
Jordan signed a minor-league deal with the Barons, owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owned the Bulls. In his only season in the minors, Jordan hit .202/.290/.266 over 127 games, with three home runs and 30 stolen bases. However, he returned to the NBA and the Bulls in March 1995, announcing his comeback with the now-iconic words, "I'm back."
During his rookie 1984–85 season with the Bulls, Jordan averaged 28.2 points per game on 51.5% shooting. In the 1989–90 season, Jordan averaged a league-leading 33.6 points per game, leading the Bulls to a 55–27 record. He scored a career-high 69 points in a road win over the Cavaliers in March 1990. During his final season in 2003, Jordan averaged 20 points per game, playing in his 14th and final NBA All-Star Game. However, despite his advancing years, he still scored 20 or more points 42 times, 30 or more points nine times, and 40 or more points three times.
Jordan's highest points per game average in a season was 33.6, achieved in the 1989-90 season. While he averaged an impressive 26.9 points per game in the 1990-91 season, this was not his highest season average. Jordan's scoring prowess throughout his career is evident, with a range of impressive season averages, including 28.2 in his rookie season and a career-high of 33.6. The 26.9 points per game season contributed to Jordan's illustrious career, solidifying his status as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
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Jordan retired from basketball in 1993 to play baseball
Michael Jordan, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, abruptly retired from the sport in 1993, shocking fans. Jordan had just led the Chicago Bulls to a three-peat, winning his third consecutive NBA championship in the 1992-93 season. However, citing physical and mental exhaustion, he decided to step away from basketball and pursue a career in professional baseball. Jordan's decision to retire from basketball was also influenced by the tragic loss of his father, James, who was murdered in July 1993. It is believed that James envisioned his son as a professional baseball player, and playing baseball was Jordan's way of honouring him.
During his hiatus from the NBA, Jordan signed a minor-league deal with the Birmingham Barons, a team owned by Jerry Reinsdorf, who also owned the Chicago Bulls. Reinsdorf reportedly paid Jordan $4 million, matching what he would have earned if he had stayed with the Bulls. Jordan's only season in the minors was not as successful as his basketball career. In 127 games, he hit .202/.290/.266, with three home runs, and stole 30 bases but was caught 18 times.
After 17 months away from basketball, Jordan announced his return to the sport in March 1995, issuing a statement through his agent that simply read, "I'm back." He rejoined the Chicago Bulls midway through the 1994-95 season and led them to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998, adding to his previous three titles won consecutively from 1991 to 1993. Jordan's return to the NBA marked a new chapter in his career, and he even changed his jersey number from 23 to 45, reflecting his baseball number and brother Larry's prep number.
Jordan's impact on basketball and the NBA was significant. He played 15 seasons in the league between 1984 and 2003, winning six NBA championships and becoming a global cultural icon. His leaping ability earned him the nicknames "Air Jordan" and "His Airness." Jordan's decision to retire from basketball in 1993 to play baseball remains one of the most surprising moves in NBA history, showcasing his willingness to take on new challenges and his dedication to honouring his father's wishes.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Michael Jordan returned to basketball in March 1995, after a 17-month break.
Jordan left basketball due to physical and mental exhaustion from the sport and superstardom. He also wanted to pursue a career in baseball, which his father had envisioned for him.
Jordan wore the number 45 on his jersey when he returned to the Bulls. He swapped his original number, 23, for a new number to reflect his baseball number and his brother Larry's prep number.
After returning to the NBA, Jordan led the Bulls to three more championships in 1996, 1997, and 1998.
