Michael Jordan was the iconic player who famously wore number 45 for the Chicago Bulls. While he is most widely known for his legendary number 23, Jordan donned the number 45 during his initial return to the NBA in the 1994-1995 season after his first retirement.
Michael Jordan's Brief Stint with Number 45
After an almost two-year hiatus to pursue a career in professional baseball, Michael Jordan made his highly anticipated return to the NBA with the Chicago Bulls in March 1995. Upon his return, he chose to wear number 45 instead of his customary 23, which had already been retired by the Bulls in his honor on November 1, 1994.
There were several reasons cited for this change:
- Fresh Start: Jordan wanted a symbolic fresh start, moving away from the number associated with his previous championship runs and his father's passing.
- Baseball Connection: He had worn number 45 during his time with the Birmingham Barons, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, honoring his time in baseball. He also wore #45 during his high school baseball career.
His debut with number 45 occurred on March 19, 1995, against the Indiana Pacers. This period, though brief, remains a notable chapter in his illustrious career. Evidence of this unique period includes official merchandise, such as the Michael Jordan #45 Men's Chicago Bulls Champion NBA Jersey, a highly sought-after collector's item.
Jordan wore number 45 for 22 regular-season games and the first four playoff games of the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Orlando Magic. Following a less-than-stellar performance in Game 1 and a controversial moment where he felt his number 45 was "not 23," he famously switched back to number 23 for Game 2 of that series, incurring a fine from the NBA. He then continued to wear number 23 for the remainder of his Bulls career.
Jersey Numbers Worn by Michael Jordan with the Bulls
| Jersey Number | Team | Period Worn | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23 | Chicago Bulls | 1984-1993, 1995-1998 | His primary and most iconic number; all 6 championships. |
| 45 | Chicago Bulls | March 1995 - May 1995 | Worn upon his return from his first retirement. |
| 12 | Chicago Bulls | February 14, 1990 | Worn for one game due to a stolen jersey. |
For more detailed information on Michael Jordan's career and jersey numbers, you can visit Basketball-Reference.com.
This period with the number 45 is a testament to Jordan's unique story and enduring impact on the sport, showcasing his journey and adaptability even after a significant career change.
