Learn the history and origins of the Air Jordan 9. Discover the story and insight behind the iconic shoe and find original, retro and unreleased colorways.Neither did this professional pivot stop the release of the Air Jordan IX. His status as an international icon inspired a multilingual homage to his attributes on the sole, including words like independence, freedom, athletic, and force.After three consecutive years as the league’s champion, MJ left the hardwood — his first of three total retirements. But his hiatus from one game didn’t hinder his athletic vision. Jordan took to the baseball diamond instead, playing a single season in the minor leagues.With Michael Jordan’s sudden retirement just before the 1993-94 season, the Air Jordan 9 was the first signature sneaker Jordan never wore during a regular-season game. The sneaker borrowed design cues from the baseball cleats Jordan wore during his brief stint in minor league baseball. Players, such as Mitch Richmond, Kendall Gil, and Penny Hardaway, kept the 9 alive with player exclusives during Jordan’s absence.