2021 Goldin Elite Closing Jan 30 &31

Lot #96: 1994 Michael Jordan Game Used and Signed Birmingham Barons #45 Home Jersey (Beckett & George Koehler Michael Jordan Collection LOA)

Description

Presented here is a 1994 Michael Jordan game used Birmingham Barons white home pinstriped jersey that comes directly from the personal collection of George Koehler, who is a long-time associate of Michael Jordan dating back to when Jordan joined the Bulls in 1984, having originally been his limousine driver, then his personal assistant and friend. Koehler was also part in the popular ESPN documentary The Last Dance. Jordan sent shock waves through the sporting world in October of 1993 when he announced he was tired of basketball and was retiring. Despite winning his third straight NBA title with the Chicago Bulls, Jordan had had a rough year in 1993 after his father was murdered, and decided to pursue professional baseball, which was his father’s original dream for his son. Jordan signed with the Southside White Sox in February of 1994 and played for the AA Birmingham Barons and manager Terry Francona that season.

This is one of the Birmingham Barons home jerseys Jordan wore during his first season as a professional baseball player. This Wilson size 48 button-down white with black pinstriped jersey has “Barons” and a paraph sewn on the front, along with Jordan’s number “45” in black and silver tackle twill. The back of this jersey has “45” sewn on in the same black and silver tackle twill and each sleeve has a patch. The left sleeve has the White Sox black diamond with white hanging sock logo patch, while the right sleeve has the MLB 125TH ANNIVERSARY patch. The inner placket is made of a soft material for player comfort and the Wilson size 48 tag is sewn on the inside back collar of the inner placket. This jersey displays moderate game use with soil stains on the front right tail and staining on the inside collar and the letters and numbers display some puckering, along with some loose stitching. Jordan has signed his name diagonally on the “4” on the back in beautiful contrasting silver marker. A wonderful jersey worn by the greatest basketball player of his or any other era during his two-year hiatus into baseball. This jersey comes with a LOA from George Koehler, who states in his LOA that this item came directly from his personal collection and was received directly from Michael Jordan.

Final Bid (Includes Buyers Premium):$59,040
Minimum Bid:$10,000
Number of Bids:17