PHOENIX — Different and new really scares folks. 

I am old enough, unfortunately, to have been covering baseball when Michael Jordan left the NBA to take a shot (forgive the pun) at reaching the big leagues with the White Sox. I was shocked at the animus within the sport directed at this attempt; a stupid protectionism of “How dare he?” rather than seeing the twin benefit of: 

1. The most popular player on the planet wanted to play baseball, bringing extra attention to the game. 

2. His likely failure would highlight the immense skill of major league players, as arguably the world’s greatest athlete couldn’t replicate their abilities.