2/10/1985 Michael Jordan Rookie NBA Eastern Conference All-Star Game-Used & Autographed Sneakers
(Great Provenance) (JSA)
Michael Jordan’s 1985 All-Star Game Sneakers: A Historic Treasure
A Momentous Debut
The 1985 NBA All-Star Game, held on February 10th at the Hoosier Dome in Indianapolis, marked a significant milestone in basketball history. It was the first All-Star appearance for the legendary Michael Jordan, a rookie who would go on to redefine the sport. The night before the game, during the Slam Dunk Contest, Jordan captivated the audience with his iconic free-throw line dunk, a moment that would forever be etched in the annals of basketball lore.
The Sneakers: A Piece of Basketball History
During the All-Star Game, Michael Jordan donned a pair of white and red leather “Nike Air Jordan I” sneakers, accented with black trim. These shoes, size “13,” are imprinted with “850102-TY” on the inside of each sneaker. The first Air Jordan stamp is prominently displayed on the side of each shoe in black, while the tongues feature a red tag with the Nike logo and patent information. Presented to us as game-used, these sneakers are a testament to Jordan’s early career and his first All-Star game experience.
- Game Performance: Jordan scored 7 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, and provided 2 assists in these very sneakers.
- Autographed: Both shoes are signed in black marker, with a vintage signature rating of 8-9.
- Provenance: Accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA and Robert Crawford, a well-documented sports photographer at UNC during Jordan’s time there.
Unmatched Provenance
The provenance of these sneakers is as compelling as their historical significance. Robert Crawford’s LOA recounts a remarkable story: “I asked Michael if he would give me a pair of his new Nike shoes. At this game, he had already promised his shoes to someone but he asked when I would see him again. I told him at the All-Star Game in February. He promised me a pair from that game. On Sunday, the East team dressed in a football locker room so there was a lot of room around the player’s locker. After the game, Michael was swarmed with reporters but I was able to get his attention, I pointed to his shoes still on his feet. He took them off and threw them to me over the heads of the reporters. Since they were not yet signed, I put a black sharpie in one of the shoes and threw them back to him. I watched him sign both shoes and he threw them back to me, they have been in my personal collection since 1985.”
An Opportunity for Collectors
These sneakers are more than just footwear; they are a piece of basketball history, representing the dawn of Michael Jordan’s illustrious career. As part of our basketball memorabilia auctions, they offer collectors a rare opportunity to own a tangible piece of Jordan’s legacy. Whether you are looking to consign sports memorabilia or explore our extensive collection, Grey Flannel Auctions is your gateway to the world of elite sports artifacts.
For those interested in acquiring or selling game-worn items, these sneakers are a testament to the enduring allure of Michael Jordan and the timeless appeal of basketball history. Explore our sports memorabilia auctions to discover more iconic pieces that celebrate the achievements of sports legends.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.