Before the Last Dance, Michael Jordan was a Birmingham Baron
Relive the Journey Below:
In 1993, following his father's passing, Michael Jordan retired from the NBA and decided he would fulfill his father's dream of playing professional baseball. In 1994, Michael Jordan signed with the Chicago White Sox and was assigned to Double-A. From behind the mic, Curt Bloom takes us through the journey that brought the greatest and most famous athlete in the world to minor league baseball.
Game 1 for Michael Jordan
At 7:58 pm on April 8, 1994, Michael Jordan stepped to the plate for the first time as a Birmingham Baron. After missing the season opener due to his participation in The White Sox / Cubs Windy City Classic, Jordan stared down Duke product John Courtright to leadoff the bottom of the 3rd inning.
The First Hit
On Sunday, April 10, 1994, after going hitless in his first two games as a Baron, Jordan found himself 0-for-7 as he prepared to do battle with Knoxville’s Joe Ganote. Jordan breaks his early-season slump with a liner to centerfield on a 1-0 pitch. When he got to the bag, he was greeted by future Heisman Trophy winner, Chris Weinke, who was playing first base for the Smokies.
The First Home Run
On the night of July 30, 1994, Jordan had nearly gone deep in his previous two plate appearances, flying out to deep centerfield in the 4th inning and doubling off the wall in the 6th inning. Now in the 8th, he faced Carolina Mudcats reliever Kevin Rychel in front of 13,751 fans at the Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. And there it was. Deep to left field. He had done it. For the first time – it was Gonzo Jordan!
One-on-One Interview
Michael was gracious with the media throughout his time in Birmingham, but earning his trust wasn’t going to happen over night. After four months with the club, in mid-August, Michael agreed to sit down for the only one-on-one interview he gave during his time with the Barons.
Video
Curt Bloom recounts his fond memories of the summer of 1994 with CBS42 as The Last Dance debuts.
Curt Bloom sits down with ABC 33/40 to provide an inside look at what life was like during the 1994 season with Michael Jordan.
The 25th anniversary was celebrated 2019, a look back at the year Michael Jordan joined the Birmingham Barons.
One of the stories that has evolved into a myth was the bus that would take the Barons around time, aptly named "The Jordan Cruiser". CB debunks the myth surrounding the bus.
As the voice of the Birmingham Barons, Curt Bloom was included in ESPNs 30 for 30, "Jordan Rides the Bus". Throughout the documentary, you get an inside look at life in the Minors.
Curt Bloom sits down with John Courtright, the first pitcher Michael Jordan would face in his professional baseball career.
Personal Photos
