I hate to be a killjoy, but I have news for Michael Jordan. Michael, I know you are a good basketball player, certainly better than average, but I doubt you could hit .300 in a rookie league. If you are unable to quench your competitive thirst, I suggest you go back to the Bulls-if they’ll have you.
Remember, they didn’t release you. You quit on them.
Back to baseball. I don’t want to be judge and jury on his baseball prospects, so I asked for some second opinions.
From Frank Malzone of the Boston Red Sox, the last 26 years as a scout, 18 years as a professional player.
I told Malzone, right off, I don’t think Michael would hit .300 in a rookie league.
“You’re being kind. He wouldn’t hit .300 in a college league. What’s going on? Are the White Sox exploiting him?”
I told him it’s the other way around. I doubt that General Manager Ron Schueler or Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf are keen on the idea. But it would be bad public relations if they didn’t humor him.
“What does Schueler have to say?” Malzone asked.
He issued a statement Thursday that he and some of the White Sox scouts plan to evaluate Jordan’s progress on “a daily basis.” A decision will be made in mid-February whether or not they’ll invite him to spring training. Schueler indicated Michael “doesn’t look too bad” in batting practice.
“Batting practice doesn’t mean a thing,” said Malzone. “Once he starts seeing those curveballs, it’ll be a lot different. He’s in for a big surprise. Has he ever seen a big-league fastball?”
Probably on television.
“Well, good luck to him,” said Malzone. “But I don’t see how a guy could step in, not at his age.”
The next call was to Bob Kennedy in Mesa, Ariz., in baseball 56 years as a player, field manager, GM, coach, hitting instructor, farm director and scout.
“How old is he?” Kennedy asked.
I told him he is 30.
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“Forget it,” Kennedy said. “Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player ever to wear shoes. I admire him greatly. But he’s starting too late. You should start playing as soon as you walk. I don’t care what kind of an athlete he is, his chances are not good. I would say no.”
I contacted Schueler and asked if he was ready for a spring-training circus.
“There won’t be any circus,” Schueler insisted. “We’ll be going to spring training focused. We’re coming in off a big year. We won our division. I want to make it clear we have an MVP, a Cy Young winner and the Manager of the Year. I don’t want to take anything away from these guys.”
Isn’t he aware that Jordan would be a distraction?
“A distraction? Maybe, for one day.”
If he makes the club, what will you pay him?
Schueler laughed: “I think he has enough money. I’m hoping that he pays me.”
Do you think he has a chance?
“He’s a remarkable athlete. But this game isn’t that easy. We all know that. At best, it’s a long shot.”
I also know that without Michael Jordan the Bulls won’t win a fourth consecutive title. There is no doubt they are weakened by his absence. Some of the players have said they’d welcome Michael back. But I think it’s mostly puff. They now have 30 more shots to take, which means the other players are having more fun. They no longer have to stand around and watch.
Whatever, maybe it’s time for Michael to say goodbye and close the door behind him.