Michael Jordan experienced one of the most stressful games of his career during the 1998 Eastern Conference Finals against the Indiana Pacers. Jordan had only played in three playoff series that extended to 7 games. The Chicago Bulls’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers was one of them. Throughout the course of the series, the pendulum repeatedly swung back and forth, eventually stretching out the series to 7 games.
During the last game, the Bulls were leading by halftime with a slender three-point lead. However, Jordan lost his scoring rhythm and shot 3-12 from the field in the second half. Toni Kukoc saved the day by shooting 5-5 from the field and 3-3 from beyond the arc for the Bulls in the second half. The Bulls won the game by five points thanks to Kukoc. That was one of his last games before Michael Jordan’s second retirement.
Meanwhile, an MLB veteran revealed one of his biggest regrets after he turned his back on ‘His Airness’ in 1998.
MLB veteran reveals his big regret about Michael Jordan’s ‘Last Dance’
On May 6, 1998, Kerry Wood made his fifth MLB start and turned up with one of the most outstanding performances by a pitcher in the history of the sport. The then-20-year-old sent shockwaves across the league and catapulted himself into the national spotlight by striking out 20 Astros, while allowing just one hit and no walks.
Following the game, Wood received an influx of media inquiries. He also received calls from David Letterman and Jay Leno, hosts of talk shows. To his surprise, even the NBA legend, Michael Jordan reached out to him.
Being from the same city as Wood, Jordan reached out to congratulate Wood on his historic feat. He also invited him to join the Bulls in the locker room for one of their postseason games that season. This was a prestigious offer for Wood and proof of how significant his performance was for the Chicago sports community. However, Wood had to turn down the invitation as his performance followed by the media influx left him too exhausted.
During a recent interaction published on MLB.com, Kerry Wood said, “It’s regrettably one of the worst decisions I ever made because I was so exhausted. I’m not proud of that, but I did not take Mr. Jordan up on his invitation, unfortunately.”
Wood’s career was just starting to take off as the Bulls’ dynasty was coming to an end. His legendary pitching performance that day served as the springboard for a fruitful career that lasted more than ten years. However, Michael Jordan had his ‘Last Dance’ in 1998. The NBA legend had his second retirement in 1999.
Wood was in a state of exhaustion and he couldn’t properly comprehend the gravity of the situation. However, Jordan’s call to Wood enhanced the postgame joy and enthusiasm. The fact that Jordan got in touch with him was a tremendous affirmation for Wood. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
