Often times one will come across a yearbook picture of a famous athlete or celebrity. However, this offered yearbook, not only features a young Michael Jordan, or “Mike Jordan” as he is often referenced, but this book has been signed by the then-future North Carolina and Chicago Bulls’ star. This yearbook is from Emsley A. Laney High School in Wilmington, North Carolina and is for the 1980-81 school year – Michael Jordan’s senior year. “BUCCANEERS” is printed 12 times on the front cover – twice in green, blue, purple, red, orange, and yellow. “BUCCANEERS 1981” is printed below in black.
Jordan is featured on page 202 of the yearbook, along with fellow classmate Leroy Smith. Jordan, on page 202, is shown eating lunch, shooting a basketball in his home uniform and posing with coach Clifton “Pop” Herring when he announced he was going to attend UNC. To the left of the picture with his coach, Jordan signed and inscribed in blue pen “To a very nice young man who supported me during the season Good luck in the future. Michael Jordan”.
This yearbook has other great pictures and content of a young Michael Jordan, including on page 2 as he is pictured sitting on the end of the hood with his foot on the bumper and a license plate that says “MAGIC MIKE”. The caption to the left of the image reads “To know basketball is one thing, but to know you have the ability to be one of the best is another. Mike Jordan wins our hearts as he reaches for stardom.” On page 127 Seniors, Jordan is pictured in a nice suit with his high school accomplishments printed to the left and his sister Roslyn pictured below. Jordan is also pictured on page 200 in basketball action for the high school team. A great piece of early Michael Jordan memorabilia that was signed by him as a teenager. Accompanied by a full Letter of Authenticity from James Spence Authentication (JSA).