Michael Jordan memorabilia set to score at Hindman Oct. 26

Selection of Michael Jordan memorabilia from the October 26 auction

CHICAGO — On October 26, Hindman Auctions will present a Sports Memorabilia sale, which will be highlighted by a noteworthy selection of Michael Jordan memorabilia, among collectibles representing other distinguished athletes. From trading cards to autographs, legendary figures across the world of sports are represented in this auction, including a 1951 Mickey Mantle Bowman rookie card, Babe Ruth signed baseballs and a historic Tiger Woods signed golf flag flown at the first tournament won by Woods in 1996. Absentee and Internet live bidding will be available through LiveAuctioneers.

The standout of this selection will be a 1994 Michael Jordan United Center bronze maquette titled The Spirit, which was designed by Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt-Amrany, and will be offered with an estimate of $25,000-$35,000. Modeled after the original that was unveiled at the United Center in 1994 when Jordan’s jersey was retired, only 123 of these were designed and only 55 were produced as part of a special charity fundraiser for the James Jordan Boys & Girls Club. Signifying Jordan’s United States Olympic Team jersey number 9, this maquette is 9 out of 123 in the series and is signed in the bronze by Jordan and Amrany and rests on a granite base. This will be the second model of this Michael Jordan maquette that will be offered at Hindman Auctions; the last realized a strong price of $27,500.

1994 Michael Jordan United Center bronze maquette, ‘The Spirit,’ est. $25,000-$35,000

Another singular object that will be offered is a Chicago Bulls vs. Los Angeles Lakers ticket from the first game between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant on December 17, 1996. Estimated at $1,000-$2,000 and certified authentic by PSA, only three additional examples are known to exist of this important artifact from the first matchup between an 18-year-old Bryant and the player after whom he patterned much of his career. Bryant shared his state of mind going into the game on Geno Auriemma’s Holding Court podcast in 2017: “I was thinking in my mind, I didn’t care. I’m going to destroy this guy. I don’t care if I’m 18, I’m coming for blood.” Bryant would soon discover that he was still the student to Jordan’s teacher after getting dunked on early in the game. After a heated game and much competition between the duo, Jordan and the Bulls would go on to beat the Lakers 129-123, finishing with 30 points to Bryant’s five.

Full ticket from the first game between Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, est. $1,000-$2,000

Complementing the Jordan maquette and Bulls v. Lakers ticket is a 1986 Fleer rookie card and a stellar selection of Upper Deck Authenticated signed memorabilia including a stunning Wings Nike poster, basketballs, photographs and a home Chicago Bulls jersey. A pair of Michael Jordan signed autograph original 2001 Nike Air Jordan XVI shoes, estimated at $3,000-$5,000, is an irresistible item for both Jordan fans and sneaker heads alike. Many of the autographs were acquired directly from Jordan at his Flight School basketball camp.

Other outstanding lots include a 1951 Bowman Mickey Mantle rookie baseball card No. 253 (PSA 3 VG), estimated at $15,000-$20,000; an exceptional collection of 29 1971 Major League Baseball All-Star Game signed autograph tickets, estimated at $5,500-$7,500; and a Babe Ruth signed autograph home run special Spalding baseball, estimated at $4,000-$6,000.

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