Cross-sport athletes aren\u2019t as common now as they used to be back in the day. Deion Sanders hitting a homerun and scoring a touchdown in the same week (Sept 1989) was perhaps the epitome of what it meant to be proficient in two sports. Over on the NBA side however, Michael Jordan and LeBron James showcased similar levels of prowess.<\/p>\n
James<\/a> famously was one of the highest ranked wide receivers in the nation as a high schooler. His junior year saw him record 57-catches, 1,160-yards, and 16 TDs.<\/p>\n Jordan<\/a> on the other hand, took it a step further and played Minor League baseball at the height of his NBA career for the Birmingham Barons. Putting them side-by-side and Stacey King has a clear favorite in mind.<\/p>\n \u201cHe batted like .200 or something. Couldn\u2019t hit a curveball. But, for a guy 6\u20196, never played since little league, to go out there and bat major league baseball? It was pretty impressive,\u201d said<\/a> King.<\/p>\n MJ, like King, doesn\u2019t see his baseball career as a failure. In fact, positive experiences from his time as a Baron bled into his NBA career. \u201cEverybody says, \u2018Oh, it was a failed opportunity play baseball.\u2019\u00a0For me, it was the best thing that could have ever happened for me because it allowed me to go back to the game with a stronger passion.\u201d<\/p>\n Stacey would go on to compare MJ and Bron, stating, \u201cYou know, people say, \u2018Oh LeBron go play football.\u2019 Oh okay. Stop. Stop. Not happening.\u201d<\/p>\n Well, given that James is turning 41 this December, his potential football playing days are long gone, especially as a receiver. Though, in his heyday, it would not be as outlandish as King portrays it to be, to see the 4x MVP put on his cleats and run routes in the NFL.<\/p>\n