Michael Jordan's MLB Stats Are as Bad as You Remember

Tonight's the night. The first two episodes of the 10-part ESPN documetary "The Last Dance" chronicling Michael Jordan and the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls premiere tonight at 9 p.m. ET. While the story focuses on Chicago's last run to the NBA Finals to cap their second three-peat, we can't forget about what Jordan decided to do right after finishing off three-peat No. 1 in 1993.

Before making a return to basketball and reaching the mountaintop with the Bulls, Jordan took a one-year hiatus from the NBA and chased his life-long dream of being a professional baseball player. Of course, America's Pastime didn't come quite as naturally to him as roundball did.

Even as big a star athlete as MJ was, the professional baseball stage was a bit much for him. Jordan spent a season with the Birmingham Barons, Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, and the famed hooper struggled significantly as a hitter.

Michael Jordan Baseball Stats

In 497 plate appearances in 1994, MJ posted a .202 batting average and hit three home runs and 51 RBI over a 127-game span. His on-base percentage was .289, while his slugging percentage was just .266. He struck out 114 times compared to 51 walks.

He did, however, steal 30 bases.

All told, the Barons finished dead last in the Southern League's West Divison that season.

It's safe to say that Jordan never truly belonged on the baseball diamond, but the fact that he managed a full season of pro ball is still worth appreciating. It's something he had always wanted to do, and he did it.

Of course, we also have to wonder if the Bulls would have won eight straight champioships if His Airness had never walked away.