VIDEO: Remembering Michael Jordan Trolling the Cubs for Their Endless Rebuild
By Nick Porr
Bulls legend Michael Jordan is so beloved by Windy City natives that even this Chicago Cubs burn went over well. Featured in ESPN's documentary "The Last Dance," MJ had the perfect jab to throw at the North Siders when asked about the prospect of a Bulls rebuild following their NBA championship win in 1997.
MJ roasted the Cubs ? (via @ATBBTTR) pic.twitter.com/EPWSJvTcHj
— Quarantine Bros (@BaseballBros) April 20, 2020
Going into the 1996-97 season, rumors swirled that Chicago Bulls general manager Jerry Krause was considering tearing the current roster down and starting a rebuild. Jordan makes it clear that he wants to keep the roster that had just won back-to-back titles together, trolling the Cubs along the way.
The Cubs had been stuck trying to "rebuild" since 1945, which was when they had won their last NL pennant up to that point. Jordan's words sting less today given that the 2016 Cubs finally hoisted a World Series title -- their first since 1908 -- but his dig still stands out today.
Jordan spent the 1994 season with the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Cubs' crosstown rival Chicago White Sox, He appeared in an exhibition game for the White Sox at Wrigley Field, hitting an RBI single and an RBI double.
When Michael Jordan hit an RBI single at Wrigley, White Sox and Cubs fans alike gave him a standing ovation. Even Harry Caray gave him a shoutout over the PA. #TheLastDance pic.twitter.com/BxY4LTYoBq
— Ben Porter (@Ben13Porter) April 20, 2020
Even if he burns the Cubs on and off the field, of course, Jordan will still remain one of the truly beloved figures in Chicago sports history. When you're MJ, you can get away with it.