Rare Sports Happening on South Side

[sox83cubs84]

Didn't Jordan have his number 23 retired during his first retirement then he came back wearing 45 before they unretired 23 for him to resume wearing?

I am not certain if MJ's #23 was retired after his first retirement or not. The wearing of #45 was his decision, and lasted only for the few months he played in early 1995. The NBA was fining him repeatedly because he would not wear #23 during the playoffs (apparently something to do with unsold merchandise).

Dave M.
Chicago area

[metsbats]

Every April MLB unretires Jackie Robinson's no. 42 and everyone on every team wears it.

[legaleagle92481]

I am not certain if MJ's #23 was retired after his first retirement or not. The wearing of #45 was his decision, and lasted only for the few months he played in early 1995. The NBA was fining him repeatedly because he would not wear #23 during the playoffs (apparently something to do with unsold merchandise).

Dave M.
Chicago area

It was so long ago I am not certain either I googled it this morning and what I found said it was.

[commando]

The saints retired the number 81 many years ago in honor of Hall of Fame defensive end Doug Atkins, but several wide receivers have worn the number since.

[sox83cubs84]

Joel Alpert, who has been involved with Bulls memorabilia since the 1990s dynasty, emailed to inform me that MJ's #23 WAS, indded, retired after his first depoarture from the NBA. It was unretired for the 1995-96 season. Thanks, J.A.!

Dave M.
Chicago area