A Wilson A2000 Silver Cast Baseball Glove Crafted for Michael Jordan's 32nd Birthday
Designed directly from one of Michael Jordan's Wilson baseball gloves by his then-wife Juanita, this stunning treasure was crafted to commemorate MJ's 32 birthday held February 7, 1995 at Jordan's restaurant in Chicago.
Jordan shocked the sporting world in October 1993 when he retired from the NBA and surprised everyone again six months later when the Chicago White Sox announced they signed him to a minor league contract.
A total of 10 baseball gloves were created by Howard Kaplan, owner of the noted jewelry franchise Henry Kay Jewelers. Of the 10 gloves, Jordan was gifted two, while an additional two were kept by Kaplan with the remainder provided to various charities. The mold was destroyed after the run of 10 shoes was produced. Additionally, 10 Air Jordan 1 basketball shoes were produced of which one is offered in this sale (Lot 523).
The iconic tribute to Jordan was produced in Israel and is perfectly preserved in over 6 pounds of sterling silver and is hollow cast. All stitching and craftsmanship has been perfectly preserved.
A short month after this occasion and with baseball in the rear view window, Jordan would famously announce his return to basketball with a simple fax worded "I'm back." This glove remains a remarkable symbol from an important period in Jordan's life.
The glove is accompanied by a letter from its creator Howard Kaplan certifying its authenticity:
To Whom it May Concern:
I have looked over the item brought to me which is a silver cast and I have determined that this piece is in fact a genuine replica of Michael Jordan's baseball glove. The glove is an A2000 manufactured by Wilson Sporting Goods.
We produced this glove as a birthday gift for Michael Jordan. There were 10 gloves produced. Michael was given two, I own one and the balance were given to different charities for auctions to raise funds.
The piece is a hollow cast with the outside layer being sterling silver. The pieces were produced in Israel. After the ten gloves were produced the mold was destroyed. As you can see the glove is an exact replica in size as the original glove and every stitch is exact.
Sincerely,
Howard G. Kaplan
