Michael Jordan’s first retirement in 1993 hit the sports world like a thunderbolt. Here was the undisputed king of basketball. Fresh off a third straight Bulls championship and at the absolute height of his powers. Just walking away, onto a different field. Baseball, this time, all for his father. While his baseball stats were modest, insiders praised his work ethic and potential. However, his path was abruptly blocked by the Major League Baseball players’ strike in 1994–1995. Suddenly, the man who had dominated NBA arenas found himself playing with the Birmingham Barons, before crowding a fraction of the size he was used to. And came the call for return. With demands.

When owners sought to use replacement players, Michael Jordan refused to disrespect the game by crossing the picket line. That stand effectively ended his baseball experiment. But quietly set the stage for his legendary return to basketball. However, the transition back wasn’t as simple as lacing up sneakers again. The physical demands of baseball and basketball are fundamentally different. Enter Tim Grover, who devised an ultimate bounce-back strategy.

Michelle Obama’s elder brother, Craig Robinson recently broke it down for us on The School Of Greatness Podcast with Lewis Howes. He revealed, “Jordan retired to play baseball. And when he came back, he wanted some guys to work out with who could play enough, but weren’t like gorillas while he was getting in shape.” That’s what Michael Jordan’s primary requirement was: some people who would work at the pace he needed, but with a good skill set in order.

He continued to reveal the names. “Tim Grover, who was his workout guy called Arnie Duncan, myself, John Rogers, and a couple other guys.” This is what the dream squad looked like: one who would help the legend regain his throne. He even broke down the strategy they used to help MJ. “And we play two on two or three on three. And then when he got in shape, we play five on five. I think I was in my late thirties, probably then. So we could give him a safe game.” Their practice sessions stepped up gradually, and it was a safe game throughout.

Craig Robinson still remembers those private scrimmages like they were yesterday. “He never wanted to lose.” That’s what stuck with Craig the most. And when he finally stepped back onto that NBA court in ’95? Nobody who’d seen those private sessions was surprised at what came next. The Last Dance didn’t show us anything new. It just confirmed what guys like Craig already knew.

Michael Jordan’s jersey sale proves his legacy still reigns supreme

A Michael Jordan jersey from the 1992-93 season just sold for a mind-blowing $2.6 million at Heritage Auctions. And honestly? That number feels both ridiculous and completely justified at the same time. We are talking about the greatest basketball player of all time during his absolute peak. The season he averaged a record 41 points in the Finals to complete the Bulls’ first three-peat. The jersey itself is dripping with history, verified as game-worn in 17 different matchups, including that legendary Sports Illustrated cover where the magazine just screamed “WHY?” after MJ’s shocking first retirement.

The fabric shows real wear, too. Faded from washing, threads loosened from battle. Its feel makes it even more authentic. This isn’t some display case collectible. This is the actual armor Jordan wore while eviscerating NBA defenses night after night. What’s crazy is that this 2.6 million sale almost feels like a bargain compared to other Michael Jordan memorabilia. His 1998 “Last Dance” Finals jersey went for over 10 million a couple of years back. And a set of his championship sneakers pulled in $8 million.

But here’s the thing, prices for MJ’s stuff aren’t just about rarity or condition. They’re about mythology. Every piece tied to his career carries that aura, that cultural weight of being part of sports history’s most dominant era. The fact that collectors are still willing to pay superstar salaries for a single jersey, decades after his last game, tells you everything about Michael Jordan’s permanent place in the hearts. This auction wasn’t just a sale. It was another reminder that MJ’s legacy remains the gold standard, both on the court and in the memorabilia game.