On October 6, 1993, coming off three consecutive NBA Championships, Michael Jordan shocked the basketball community when he publicly announced his first retirement from the Chicago Bulls, and privately announced to Bulls and Chicago White Sox owner, Jerry Reinsdorf, his intention to switch sports. Earlier in the year, James R. Jordan (Michael’s father) was tragically murdered, and many believe Jordan’s career change was a tribute to the love that James R. Jordan had for the game of baseball. Jordan played baseball for 13 months, during which time he signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox’s farm team the Birmingham Barons. 

Finished in the Birmingham Barons' color scheme, these cleats are a “Player Sample,” meaning that they were cut to Mr. Jordan's specifications. They are in deadstock condition and were never used. The cleats feature black laces, checkered interior lining, black and white midsoles, and a black outsole with six metal spikes each. A red Jumpman logo is present on the heel of each cleat. The text “AIR JORDAN 23” is present on the outer tongue. 

In 1994, at the age of 31, Michael Jordan's baseball story officially began as he joined the Chicago White Sox Double-A affiliate, the Birmingham Barons. Jordan, who had not played the sport since his senior year of high school, opted to wear the number 45, just as he had done during his high school days.

• Nike Air Jordan 10 Metal Player Sample Baseball Cleats, produced during the 1990s.
• Black upper with white accented midsole and red Jumpman branding.
• Style number: 115051
• Color code: 001
• This item is final sale and is not eligible for return.