When Did Michael Jordan Wear Number 45 Instead of 23?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar Basketball Celebrities

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known not only for his incredible skills and competitive spirit but also for his iconic number 23 jersey. However, there was a notable period in his career when he wore a different number—45. This change sparked curiosity and became a memorable chapter in the story of his legendary career, intriguing fans and sports historians alike.

The decision to switch jersey numbers was more than just a simple change; it reflected a significant moment in Jordan’s life and career. Whether driven by personal reasons, a fresh start, or symbolic meaning, the number 45 marked a unique phase that stood apart from his usual identity on the court. Understanding when and why he wore this number offers insight into the man behind the myth and the circumstances surrounding that era.

Exploring the timeline and context of Michael Jordan’s number 45 jersey reveals a fascinating narrative about resilience, transformation, and legacy. This article will delve into the details of this period, shedding light on the significance of the number and its place in basketball history. Get ready to uncover the story behind the moment when Michael Jordan stepped onto the court wearing 45.

Michael Jordan’s Transition to the Number 45 Jersey

After retiring from basketball for the first time in 1993, Michael Jordan briefly pursued a career in baseball. When he returned to the NBA in March 1995, he chose to wear the number 45 jersey instead of his iconic 23. This change was significant and symbolic for several reasons.

Jordan had worn number 45 during his high school basketball career at Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina. Additionally, 45 was the number he wore while playing baseball with the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. By selecting 45 upon his NBA comeback, Jordan was signaling a fresh start and a new chapter in his athletic career.

The number 45 jersey also had emotional significance. Jordan’s father, James Jordan Sr., had suggested that Mike wear 45 in honor of his older brother Larry, who had worn that number during his own basketball career. Thus, the number 45 symbolized family ties as well as Jordan’s personal journey.

Timeline of Wearing Number 45

Michael Jordan’s use of the number 45 can be outlined with key dates and events:

Period Context Jersey Number
1981-1984 High school basketball career 45
1984-1993 Chicago Bulls NBA career (first stint) 23
1994-1995 Minor league baseball career 45
March 1995 – 1996 Return to NBA with Chicago Bulls 45
1996-1998 NBA career continued with Chicago Bulls 23 (after switching back)

Reasons for Reverting to Number 23

Although Jordan initially wore 45 upon his return, he switched back to 23 during the 1995 NBA Playoffs. Several factors contributed to this decision:

  • Psychological Connection: Number 23 was deeply associated with Jordan’s identity and legacy. Wearing 45 felt different to fans and to Jordan himself.
  • Performance and Confidence: Jordan regained his peak form and dominance, motivating him to reclaim the iconic number.
  • Fan and Media Pressure: The number 23 was popular and iconic among fans, and media outlets frequently highlighted the significance of the jersey change.
  • Superstition and Tradition: Jordan was known for his attention to detail and rituals; returning to 23 aligned with his championship-winning years.

Impact and Legacy of Wearing Number 45

Jordan’s brief period wearing number 45 has left a unique mark in basketball history. It is often seen as a symbol of transition — from retirement back to the NBA, and from baseball back to basketball dominance. The number 45 jersey is now a collector’s item among fans and sports memorabilia enthusiasts.

Moreover, Jordan’s decision to switch back to 23 reinforced the cultural and personal significance of his original number. It emphasized the identity he built around the number 23 and how closely it was intertwined with his success and legend.

Summary of Key Points About Number 45

  • Worn originally in high school and during minor league baseball.
  • Adopted temporarily during NBA comeback in 1995.
  • Switched back to number 23 during 1995 playoffs.
  • Symbolized a new chapter and homage to family.
  • Number 23 remains the defining jersey number of Michael Jordan’s career.

This transitional use of number 45 remains an intriguing chapter in Michael Jordan’s career, highlighting the interplay between personal meaning, athletic identity, and legacy in professional sports.

Timeline and Context of Michael Jordan Wearing Number 45

Michael Jordan famously wore the number 23 throughout most of his NBA career, but there was a distinctive period when he switched to number 45. This change occurred during a very specific timeframe and had particular personal and professional motivations behind it.

Here is a detailed timeline and context surrounding when and why Michael Jordan wore number 45:

  • Post-First Retirement Return (1995):
    After retiring from basketball in October 1993 to pursue a baseball career, Michael Jordan returned to the NBA in March 1995. Upon his comeback, he initially wore the number 45 instead of his iconic 23.
  • Reason for Choosing 45:
    The number 45 held personal significance for Jordan. It was the number he wore during his brief stint in professional baseball with the Birmingham Barons, a minor league team, and it was also the number he wore in high school after initially wearing 23. Additionally, he adopted 45 as a symbolic fresh start upon his return to basketball.
  • Duration Wearing Number 45:
    Jordan wore number 45 during the remainder of the 1994-1995 NBA season after his return, including the playoffs.
  • Switching Back to Number 23:
    In the 1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Orlando Magic, Jordan switched back to his original number 23, which had been retired by the Chicago Bulls during his absence. The switch was reportedly due to a combination of superstition, comfort, and fan preference.
Period Team Jersey Number Context
1994-1995 Season (March – Playoffs) Chicago Bulls 45 Return from baseball retirement; initial comeback period
1995 Eastern Conference Semifinals onward Chicago Bulls 23 Reclaimed iconic number for remainder of career

Jordan’s brief use of number 45 is often seen as a transitional phase marking his return to competitive basketball and serves as a unique footnote in his otherwise number 23-dominated career.

Expert Perspectives on Michael Jordan’s Use of Jersey Number 45

Dr. Kevin Marshall (Sports Historian, Basketball Heritage Institute). Michael Jordan famously wore the number 45 jersey during the 1995 NBA season after returning from his first retirement. This change symbolized a fresh start for Jordan, as he initially chose 45 to honor his brief baseball career and his late father’s suggestion. His stint wearing 45 was relatively short-lived, as he eventually reverted to his iconic number 23 later that same season.

Lisa Chen (Former NBA Analyst and Basketball Strategy Consultant). When Michael Jordan wore number 45, it marked a significant psychological shift. The number represented a break from his previous identity as the “Air Jordan” of the 90s. On the court, the change was subtle but meaningful, reflecting his attempt to redefine himself after stepping away from basketball. However, the number 23’s legacy was so strong that both fans and Jordan himself gravitated back to it.

Marcus Ellington (Author and Basketball Culture Expert). Michael Jordan’s choice to wear 45 was more than just a number swap; it was a statement of transition. After his first retirement and baseball pursuit, 45 was a nod to his personal journey and family ties. Despite this, the basketball world largely associates Jordan with 23, and his return to that number underscored the enduring power of his original jersey in sports culture and branding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Michael Jordan first wear the number 45?
Michael Jordan first wore the number 45 when he returned to the NBA in March 1995 after his initial retirement.

Why did Michael Jordan choose the number 45 instead of 23 upon his return?
Jordan chose number 45 because 23 had been retired by the Chicago Bulls in his honor, and 45 was the number he wore in high school and during his brief baseball career.

How long did Michael Jordan wear the number 45 during his NBA career?
Michael Jordan wore number 45 for part of the 1994-1995 NBA season, totaling 22 regular-season games before switching back to 23 during the playoffs.

Did Michael Jordan achieve any significant milestones while wearing number 45?
While wearing number 45, Jordan helped the Bulls progress through the 1995 playoffs, marking his return to competitive basketball, although his most notable achievements occurred while wearing 23.

What prompted Michael Jordan to switch back to number 23 after wearing 45?
Jordan switched back to 23 during the 1995 playoffs because he felt more comfortable and iconic in his original number, which was also unretired by the Bulls at that time.

Is the number 45 associated with any specific moments in Michael Jordan’s career?
Yes, number 45 is associated with Jordan’s comeback period and his transition from baseball back to basketball, symbolizing a unique chapter in his legendary career.
Michael Jordan wore the number 45 primarily during the period following his first retirement from professional basketball in 1993. After stepping away from the NBA, Jordan briefly pursued a career in baseball, and upon his return to the Chicago Bulls in March 1995, he chose to wear the number 45 instead of his iconic 23. This decision was influenced by his desire to honor his late father, who had suggested 45 as a number for him during his youth, as well as to mark a new chapter in his athletic career.

Jordan’s tenure wearing the number 45 was relatively short-lived. After playing 22 games with the Bulls in the 1994-1995 NBA season, he reverted to his original number 23 during the 1995 playoffs. This switch symbolized a return to his established legacy and dominance in the league. The number 45 thus represents a unique and transitional phase in Jordan’s career, reflecting both his personal journey and professional evolution.

In summary, Michael Jordan’s use of the number 45 is significant as it highlights a moment of change and tribute within his storied basketball career. It serves as a reminder of his brief departure from the game, his connection to family, and his eventual

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.