Ex-Barons manager says Jordan would've made the majors if he continued to play baseball: "We made him want to play basketball again"

In 1993, Michael Jordan shocked the basketball world when he retired from the NBA after winning his third straight championship. His reason? Mike wanted to play Major League Baseball because his late father always envisioned him becoming a professional baseball player at the highest level.

Many believe that Jordan's attempt was a failure because he ended up returning to the NBA. However, according to Terry Francona, who was the manager of the Birmingham Barons minor league team that MJ played for, the Chicago Bulls legend would have made it to the MLB if he stayed longer.

"He had it all," Francona said . "Ability, aptitude, work ethic. He was always so respectful of what we were doing and considerate of his teammates. Granted, he had a lot to learn."

MJ took a long break from baseball

Jordan, in the NBA, was known for his incredible work ethic. He always worked very hard to perfect his craft. MJ brought that to baseball, and even if many laugh at his .202 batting average, they never consider that the guy has not played competitive baseball since he left high school.

At the age of 12, Jordan was a decorated baseball player. However, because he had that incredible growth spurt during his sophomore high school year, he chose to focus on basketball. He became the best basketball player in the world. Still, despite being a baseball novice at that point, he managed to post 51 RBIs and 30 steals. More importantly, he held his own against some of the best prospects in the nation.

"I do think with another 1,000 at-bats, he would've made it," added Francona. "But there's something else that people miss about that season. Baseball wasn't the only thing he picked up. I truly believe that he rediscovered himself and his joy for competition. We made him want to play basketball again."

Mike was a different player when he returned

Most believe that Jordan quit baseball because he did not want to be involved in the 1995 MLB strike. However, as Francona said, playing baseball made MJ feel young again, giving him back his hunger. Jordan himself acknowledged that.

"I realized I had kind of lost that in the realm of what was happening to me in basketball," Mike said . "I was on the pedestal for so long that I forgot about the steps to get to that. That's what Minor League baseball did to me."

In 1995, Michael famously said the two words that were music to the Bulls' ears: "I'm back." Armed with renewed enthusiasm and a new outlook on team play, Jordan returned to the NBA a different player. He was better, wiser, and hungrier. That resulted in another three-peat for the Bulls and immortality for "His Airness."

Related: Jordan's mom recalled when nine-year-old Michael promised to win the Olympics: "Honey, that takes a lot to win the gold medal"