February 19, 2017
Most Philadelphians know that living in the big city means you need to constantly be on the lookout for unexpected happenings.
Especially in the City of Brotherly Love, a place that is home to a rich history, a vibrant culture and a vast array of characters. Adventure lurks around every corner.
In just the past two months, the city has featured subway riders dropping their drawers, a scratch-off loser phoning in violent threats against lottery officials, a television meteorologist denying rumors of being on house arrest, and the Mummers Parade. Just to name a few things.
The city delivered another odd story when SB Nation writer Josh Priemski walked into a "random store in Old Philly that just sells old stuff to hipsters."
While inside, he saw a 1991 Sports Illustrated magazine. Nothing particularly special, but a cool find. The issue features NBA legend Michael Jordan on the front, but it's famous for its holographic cover.
Almost bought this a moment ago pic.twitter.com/EX8xGiZ3Ge
— josh (@HoopPlusTheHarm) February 18, 2017
Priemski left the store, but something was bothering him about the magazine. Five minutes later, it dawned on him:
WAIT A SECOND DOES THIS MEAN THAT pic.twitter.com/lWJekUKV34
— josh (@HoopPlusTheHarm) February 18, 2017
Could this really be former Philadelphia 76ers great Charles Barkley's copy?
The address corresponds to a Bala Cynwyd house inside a gated community on the Main Line and Barkley was playing his final season with the Sixers at the time.
The evidence checked out for several Twitter users and Priemski, who rushed back to buy it.
$5. I am now the proud owner of an old copy of SI with a holographic image of Jordan on the cover once owned by THE Charles Barkley.
— josh (@HoopPlusTheHarm) February 18, 2017
"The things you find in Philly, man," Priemski wrote.
