Please note that the title of this lot has been amended and differs from our printed catalog.
It is hard to imagine, but one day, long ago, Babe Ruth was handed his first bat and put on his first flannel jersey. At that time, who could have imagined the history that was about to be written; the monumental legend and greatness; We have all been told the stories from our fathers and grandfathers; the aura of “Babe Ruth” has dazzled the world for almost a century and will continue to do so, long after we are gone, cementing his place in history as an icon. The same is true for Michael Jeffrey Jordan. There was a point when he gripped his first basketball and took his first jump shot from the top of the key, having no idea of the greatness and dominance that would follow; and so, too, would he be issued his very first NBA jersey as a member of the Chicago Bulls…and the rest, as they say, is history; history that we were all privileged to have witnessed; unparalleled visions that to this day makes the hair on the back of our collective necks stand up; these visions and stories, much like those told by our fathers and grandfathers of The Bambino, we, in turn will share with our children and grandchildren. We will say how lucky we were to have seen the greatest basketball player that ever stepped on the hardwood, Michael Jordan script history before our very eyes, culminating on Saturday September 12, 2009, when His Airness will take his rightful place beside Wilt, Bill, Larry and Magic and be enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame. This jersey offered is one-of-a-kind and special, indeed and could be compared to the first jersey ever issued to Babe Ruth; this red mesh road jersey could quite possibly have been the very first jersey issued to Michael Jordan as a member of the Chicago Bulls. It was worn early in his rookie season of 1984-85. In the photo match that accompanies this jersey, MJ is wearing white Nike sneakers which he only wore early in his rookie year. He later switched to his patented red and black Air Jordan Nike’s that season. Inside the rear collar is the “Rawlings” manufacturers tag with jersey size “44.” Across the front of the jersey is the city name “Chicago” done in script lettering. Player number “23” appears on both the front and back. All these numbers and letters are done in black appliqué with white borders. There is a number change on the jersey. Player name “JORDAN” appears on back in white block appliqué letters. There is a name change on back. On front is a very large and vintage Michael Jordan signature along with a rare inscription “My Very Best.” This is all done in black marker and rates an 8-9. The jersey shows game-use and other than what is mentioned above appears to have no other alterations of any kind. The provenance of this shirt is impeccable and undeniable. It is accompanied by a letter from the Chicago Bulls, dated May 17, 1985 which states, in part, “This letter is to authenticate that the Bulls jersey #23 was worn by Michael Jordan.” (Signed) Tim Hallam, Director of Public Relations. To add to this pristine provenance, we have detailed notes from our consignor who had many conversations with Tim Hallam of the Chicago Bulls who recalled “if that jersey has a number and name change, sounds like you have the very first jersey this organization issued Michael Jordan.” This treasure of basketball history is also accompanied by a photo of Michael wearing this very jersey early in his 1984-85 rookie year. WOW!