Its sneakers look like mitts and its jerseys look like MJ’s. Nike Air Jordan’s latest baseball collection reminds you of how multifaceted of an athlete Michael Jordan really was.
In 1993 and at only halfway through his total NBA career championship wins, the legendary Chicago Bull temporarily retired as a basketball player. He took on a new career path inspired by a childhood passion, baseball. Jordan become an outfielder in the minor league. As a Birmingham Baron, he played on an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, the MLB team also included in Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf’s portfolio. He later joined the Scottsdale Scorpions. And instead of the No. 23 so engraved in his basketball legacy today, he donned the numbers 45 and 35 as a baseball player. His moments in the minor league ended when Jumpman rejoined the NBA for the Bulls’ 1994–1995 season.
The Air Jordan IX Pinnacle collection revisits the GOAT’s baseball past. First up, its footwear replicates baseball mitts with leather uppers and cross stitching. Sneakers come in two colorways, Black/Metgold-white and Hazelnut/Sail, and are decorated with his Baron and Scorpion jersey numbers. As an added motif, pairs are wrapped in packaging meant to look like baseball cards. To complete each look—Birmingham or Scottsdale—jersey and hats match the colors of each team. Birmingham has a gray cap and button down both with No. 45. Scottsdale has a black cap and mesh v-neck both with No. 35.
Air Jordan IX Pinnacle debuts on July 15. US customers can find items at these select locations:
ATLANTA, GA: A Ma Maniere, Wish
BOSTON, MA: Bodega, Concepts International LLC
CHARLOTTE, NC: Social Status
CHICAGO, IL: RSVP LLC
LOS ANGELES, CA: Blends, Undefeated, Union, RSVP
NEW YORK, NY: NikeLab 21M
Check out the collection below.
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