21 years ago: Michael Jordan signs minor-league contract with White Sox

Michael Jordan shocked the sports world on Feb. 7, 1994.

The legendary basketball player, who retired from the game in October 1993, signed a minor-league baseball contract with the Chicago White Sox.

Jordan made a heavy-hearted decision to honor the dream of his deceased father, who always envisioned him as a Major League Baseball player. He hit .202 with three home runs, 51 RBIs and stole 30 bases in 127 games for the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the White Sox, also owned by Chicago Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf.

Two-time World Series winner Terry Francona was the manager of the Barons at the time, and recalls Jordan's abilities as a ballplayer in this interview with Bob Costas:

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Jordan would also suit up for the Scottsdale Scorpions of the Arizona Fall League in 1994 before his baseball career was derailed by the MLB players' strike, setting the stage for his triumphant return to the hardcourt in 1995.