When Michael Jordan struggled with his transition to baseball from basketball despite his stunning athleticism

NBA legend Michael Jordan is one of the most beloved basketball stars in the world. However, on Oct. 6, 1993, it came as a shock to the world when Jordan announced his retirement, saying that he was leaving basketball to pursue a career in professional baseball. The Chicago Bulls star's decision to switch sports was met with both excitement and confusion.

The transition wasn't easy. Jordan had to learn a completely new skill set and adjust to a different environment. He was also older than most rookies, making the transition even more difficult.

Herm Schneider, the longtime athletic trainer for the Chicago White Sox who helped Jordan with his conversion to baseball, spoke along the same line:

“He’s a great athlete in basketball. When it came to baseball, he was a little bit like a duck out of water. He loved baseball, but he didn’t necessarily have that body awareness that you need. So we had to teach him."

It was a bold move for Michael, as professional basketball had been his life for years and switching to a completely different sport was a radical change.

However, the NBA legend's hard work paid off as he played in the minor leagues. He hit .202 with three home runs and 30 stolen bases in his first season.

"Never forget Michael Jordan said baseball was harder than basketball." - FAX Sports: MLB

Jordan's baseball career was short-lived, however, as he returned to basketball in 1995. His comeback was an instant success, as he led the Chicago Bulls to three consecutive NBA championships (1996 to 1998).

Michael Jordan pursued baseball to fulfill the dream of his father

Utah Jazz v Chicago Bulls:

NBA legend Michael Jordan later opened up about the murder of his father in July 1993 that led him to pursue baseball. Apparently, his father always wanted him to play in the major leagues.

"Fathers Day, 1996: Michael Jordan dedicated his fourth championship to his father, who was murdered in 1993." - Bleacher Report

Michael Jordan's father, James R. Jordan Sr., was murdered on July 23, 1993. He was murdered by two teenagers in North Carolina after carjacking him. Ten days later, James' dead body was found in a South Carolina swamp.

Later, the two teenagers who murdered Jordan were found guilty at trial and given life sentences.