Due to its incredible rookie class, The 1986 Fleer Basketball set has been thoroughly discussed. Any conversation about Fleer’s “Premier Issue” will always include Michael Jordan’s rookie card. While it may seem we know everything there is to know about Air Jordan’s rookie card, there is one piece of information that is not commonly known. Who photographed Michael Jordan effortlessly gliding through the air on his way to an easy score?
With countless articles about Michael Jordan’s rookie card over the years, which include the Best & Most Valuable Michael Jordan cards, and 1986 Fleer Basketball cards found in tupperware, one would think the topic of who snapped the photo to Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card would be discussed, but alas, it hasn’t. I know what you’re thinking. “Just Google it”.
Well, I have. “Who took Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer photo?” Zero. “Who were the 1986 Fleer basketball photographers?” Zip. “How did Fleer obtain photographs for their 1986 basketball set?” Zilch. “Did Fleer use pictures from the Star Co. in their 1986 basketball set?” NADA!
Search queries about Fleer management also turned up nothing.
On the bright side, we discovered Google doesn’t know everything. Nobody likes a know-it-all. Without much to go on, where do we go from here? We begin to decipher clues from Jordan's rookie card itself.
WHAT WE KNOW
The photo used on Michael Jordan’s Fleer rookie card was taken during his rookie year. We know this because the classic Chicago script road jersey was discontinued after his rookie season. In addition, the photo was taken at the Meadowlands Arena in a game versus the New Jersey Nets. Considering the Jordan photo was taken 2 years before the 1986 Fleer basketball release, the picture had to be obtained from a freelance photographer based in New Jersey. During the 1984-85 NBA season, the Chicago Bulls played the Nets in New Jersey on the following dates:
Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie photograph was taken during one of these games. Unfortunately, this is where the trail ends.
While we did not find the photographer responsible for the iconic image on Michael Jordan’s 1986 Fleer rookie card, it is my hope to get people talking and to recognize the photographers responsible for the images on our favorite rookie cards. Somewhere, someone knows the photographer’s name. When someone works in a creative field, they want their work to be seen. Nearly 40 years has passed since this photo was taken, and somewhere out there, there is someone bragging to their grandchild for the 1,000th time that they snapped the picture that is on Michael Jordan’s rookie card.
Equally important is the original photograph. That discovery would be a great find. If you are in possession or know someone who is, know that at Just Collect…
WE ARE ALWAYS BUYING
Just Collect is always buying vintage sports and non-sports cards from 1879 to 1979 as well as select modern cards. If you have a collection that you are considering selling, contact us today to discuss or get our industry-leading purchase offer. If you have a collection that you want appraised, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your collection and help you understand the real cash value of your collection in the current marketplace. Check out the Just Collect Buy List.
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We offer may ways to evaluate your cards other than or using our website, too.
If you can make the trip here like the son from my hometown did for this collection- we can make a deal at the office. We once met a father-son duo that drove eight hours from Virginia to meet us to sell a Michael Jordan rookie card stored in Tupperware since 1986 - great read here.
We keep a LIST of card shows we'll be attending. Come stop by the Just Collect table and chat.
If you have a valuable collection and want us to come to you, we'll hop on the next plane out.
We have another location in New York you can meet us at; read all the information here.
If you choose to mail your cards for an appraisal, we will evaluate your cards for FREE still. If you choose not to sell the cards, we'll ship them back shipping fees paid by us! We can offer our FedEx account with 2-day shipping, fully insured, all covered by us. Simply contact the office to set up this option.
OUR BUYING PHILOSOPHY
We've run into a wide range of people and collections over the last 25 years. Although Just Collect is known for buying vintage sports cards and especially vintage baseball cards, we are also extremely interested in buying non-sports cards, too!
Every collection and every collector is different and we treat EVERY collection with the respect and attention that we show for our own collections. We understand that many have put their heart and souls into building their collections. So when you're ready to sell, we understand the feelings that you're going through and will work with you to help you reach a decision that is a WIN/WIN, because if you're not happy, we're not happy.
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