Michael Jordan offered chance at comeback
BY DAN CAHILL dcahill@suntimes.com February 21, 2013 2:26PM
Michael Jordan as he prepares to take batting practice prior to his first game as a professional baseball player in 1994. | AP
Updated: March 23, 2013 6:28AM
He did leave open the possibility of a return during his Basketball Hall of Fame speech. And millions of young people never did get the chance to see him play.
So, why not clamor one more time for those famous two words: “I’m back.”
That’s what the Joliet Slammers baseball team is hoping for.
The local Frontier League team has offered Jordan a maximum contract of $1,600 per month with a $20 per diem for meals. The team would also be willing to provide Jordan—among other things—a loaded luxury suite for 23 of his friends. And, the Slammers are amenable to signing a shoe deal with Brand Jordan.
Whether he comes back or not, the Slammers still plan to retire his baseball jersey No. 45 on June 5.
“We would like to offer MJ the opportunity to write the final chapter by playing baseball for the Joliet Slammers or, at the very least, honor him in a way nobody else has,” Slammers general manager Chris Franklin said.
Jordan, who turned 50 on Sunday, reportedly has been working out to lose weight. Nothing more.
Still, that doesn’t seem to deter Franklin.
“Again, we’re serious about giving Michael the opportunity to play professional baseball with the Slammers this summer,” Franklin said. “We do have an age limit in our league, but like Nike and the red and black Air Jordan’s his rookie year in the NBA, we’ll take the fine.”
