Watch Michael Jordan’s first pitch at Cubs’ last one-game playoff

The Cubs are preparing to play in Wednesday night’s NL wild-card game against the Pirates, which got Extra Mustard thinking about the last time Chicago had a play-in game for the postseason.

The Cubs are preparing to play in Wednesday night’s NL wild-card game against the Pirates, which got Extra Mustard thinking about the last time Chicago had a play-in game for the postseason.

Back in 1998, before the high stakes one-game playoff was built into the postseason, the Cubs and Giants finished with identical records, forcing a Game 163 to be played at Wrigley Field.

• Watch Buter Olney get a champagne shower from the Astros

Who else could the Cubs get to throw out the first pitch as they tried to make the playoffs for the first time since 1989 but recently retired Bulls superstar Michael Jordan.

Even though Jordan sends the pitch flying, the sight of the legendary basketball player on the field with slugger Sammy Sosa, who hit 66 home runs that season, sends the already electric atmosphere over the top.

The six-time NBA champion must have brought some good luck with him as the Cubs prevailed 5–3 and went on to be swept by the Braves in the NLDS.

In Case You Missed These

Mouse over a photo for a pop-up view; click on a link to go to the gallery.

The Best Streaks in Sports

The Plight of Cubs Fans

SI's 100 Best Michael Jordan Photos

Rare Photos of Babe Ruth

SI's Best Baseball Portraits