THIS DATE IN SOX HISTORY: MARCH 14TH/MJ, Win vs. Cubs

MARCH 14TH

JORDAN SHOWS ‘EM … KIND OF

1994: On the day Sports Illustrated released a cover story imploring him to quit, White Sox minor leaguer Michael Jordan delivered his first professional hit. “I’m glad it’s over and done with,” Jordan after the Sox 9-5 split squad Grapefruit League win over the Minnesota Twins. Jordan’s infield hit ended an 0-for-14 start to his pro career. “MJ” entered the game in the sixth as a defensive replacement in right field. In his first at bat, Jordan drew a walk on a 3-1 pitch during a plate appearance in which he did not swing. He then stole his first career base, sliding safely head first into second ahead of catcher Matt Walbeck’s throw. In the eighth, Jordan was facing right-hander Jeff Innis. On a 1-1 pitch, Jordan sent a bouncer to third that he beat out after Jeff Carter knocked it down but couldn’t make a timely throw. The crowd of 6,410 at Ed Smith Stadium responded with a standing ovation. The throng rose to its collective feet again moments later when Jordan scored on Dann Howitt’s homer. After the game, his teammates celebrated Jordan’s first hit by giving him a beer shower. “Maybe you reporters will go home now,” Jordan said afterward. Some reporters Jordan had probably wished never arrived in Florida were those from Sports Illustrated. The magazine ran a picture of Jordan clearly swinging and missing at a pitch with a blaring caption that declared: “Bag It Michael! Jordan and the White Sox are embarrassing baseball.”

SOX OVERPOWER CUBS

2005: The future World Series champions used five home runs in hammering the Cubs 9-5 in a Cactus League game before 12,967 fans in Mesa, Ariz. Aaron Rowand counted two home runs among his three hits while Joe Borcarhd, A.J. Pierzynski and Paul Konerko each went deep once. The win as the Sox 10th in their last 14 Arizona games against the Cubs and improved their overall record to 13-9 against their rivals.