Who
Influenced Michael Jordan to Become the Player and Person He is Today?
everyone has they’re own opinion about Michael Jordan, but one thing is
certain, he is a phenomenal athlete with a unique combination of grace, power,
artistry and the improvisational ability. He is not only the top player of his
Era, but is quite possibly the best player to wear the uniform of a NBA team. He
is the most recognizable athlete in the world and is believed to be the best
there ever was, is, or ever will be. (NBA.com) A person to this magnitude has
obviously a success, being able to have a family of his own and, knowing that
there are thousands of people looking up to him, and being many people’s idol.
To be able to stand the pressure of being a national symbol of greatness, you
have to have a driving force. This driving force has been known to be the edge a
lot of people have needed to make it over. Michael Jordan’s family helped him
to fight and become one of the most influential, successful, and professional
sports figures ever. Body Michael Jeffrey Jordan was born on February 17, 1963,
in Brooklyn, NY, to a proud Deloris and James Jordan. (Nba.com; BioLife.com) Now
this very first point may seem like no big deal but it’s something in itself.
Jordan almost wasn’t born. In 1963, when Deloris was carrying Mike her mother
died unexpectedly causing her to fall into a deep depression and stress period.
Fearing a miscarriage the family doctor ordered her to bed rest. (Greene 12;
NBA.com) “I Davis 3 always said that Michael’s birth was like a sign. I lost
my mother while I was carrying Michael, and he was my godsend. Michael was the
happiness he sent me after a very sad time in my life.” –Deloris (qtd. In
Halberstam 48) “The near miscarriage was very bad.” –James (qtd. in
Halberstam 49) Michael the Jordan’s 4th child lived in a pretty much average
house, which was on the lower end of the economic pool. When Mike was 2 he had a
really close brush with death. James (Mike’s father) was outside tuning up his
car at his parents house. The ground was still soaked from the earlier downpour.
Two extension cords let him stretch a lamp from the kitchen outlet to under the
hood of his car. During his labor he saw something out of the corner of his eye.
Mike had escaped his playpen and, was on his way to make it a father- son-
project. James ran towards him bit it was too late. Mike walked right into the
junction of the wires and began playing with them. A sudden surge of current
sent him flying back about 3 feet, where he landed in too much shock to cry.
(Greats of the Game.com; BioLife.com) James put a net up in the backyard and the
boys played all the time. Michael’s older brother Larry always beat him.
Growing up Mike’s favorite sport was baseball, and he was quite good too! He
was the MVP of Dixie League and received a scholarship to Mickey Owen Baseball
Camp. Michael got better at basketball and, decided to try out for the Varsity
Laney High Basketball Team but, wasn’t good enough as a sophomore. Jordan, as
a sophomore, played on JV and, averaged 27.8 PPG. Jordan after junior year was
Davis 4 invited to play at the 5-star Camp where colleges recruited. MJ won 10
trophies including 2 MVP’s. The University of North Carolina recruited Jordan.
Dean Smith the winningest coach in NCAA basketball history coached Mike. (Greene
52; Halberstam 27, BioLife.com) Most people thought that Mike would come and sit
the bench. They were startled when they found out he was a season opener
starter. (NBA.com) Mike had a great time playing for UNC, and his nest move was
to become eligible for the NBA draft. Mike was 3rd pick behind Hakeem Olajuwon
(Houston) and Sam Bowie (Portland) (GreatsoftheGame.com) MJ of course, was
drafted by the Chicago Bulls. He was playing there and doing well. Bringing home
all types of titles, championships, and MVP’s. Then suddenly everything
changed. On July 23, 1993, James Jordan was taking a rest in his car, when he
woke up and saw a gun pointed to his head. He was shot in what was called a
random robbery. JORDAN LOST HIS BEST FRIEND! Later on October 6, of that same
year, Jordan shocked friends and fans by announcing his retirement from the NBA.
During this he claimed that his reasons were not because of his father’s death
but, more because he had nothing to prove anymore. He felt he needed to be with
his family. This move right here should show more than anything that Jordan’s
concerned with his family before anything else. With all the fame and fortune
that basketball had and was givng Mike he decided to give it all up at the
expense of his family. His next move was even more stunning, Major League
Baseball. Mike signed a contract with the Davis 5 Chicago White Sox in 1994.
When MJ was still in the Major’s he played in the Scottie Pippen Charity Game
where he scored 52 points. Soon rumors began that Mike would be returning to the
game of basketball. On March 19, 1995 those rumors proved true and Mike come out
of retirement. In his 5th game back he scored 55 points. Jordan definately still
had it. He also led his team to a second 3-peat. (three championships in a row)
Jordan retired for good with 6 NBA finals MVP’s. (BioLife.com) Conclusion
Michael, the “perfect” player still needs his family. Mike’s story goes to
show that family is important. Whether you family is your biological parents or
parent, step parents or parent, grandparents, sisters or brothers, aunts or
uncles, or you adopted or foster parents or parent, they are still your family.
Family is a vital part of life, and love even more vital. One thing if you
don’t see anything else, see not to take advantage or take your family for
granted because one day they may not be here. Don’t forget about the people
who made you who you are. Never get so full of yourself that you only care about
what you do. Basketball is what Mike does, Michael Jordan is who he is.

Bibliography
Greene, Bob. Hang Time. New York: Doubleday Inc., Nov. 1992 Halberstam,
David. Playing for Keeps. New York: Random House, 1999. www. BioLife.com www.
GreatsoftheGame.com www. NBA.com