The Air Jordan 9, released after Michael Jordan's initial retirement from the NBA, holds significance as it pays homage to the Birmingham Barons, which served as the minor league affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, where Jordan briefly pursued a baseball career. This retro version of the AJ9 showcases a pinstripe design on the inner lining and features the '45' embroidery on the heel, symbolizing Jordan's jersey number during his time on the baseball field.