Larry Bird was born on December 7, 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He grew up in the small town of French Lick, Indiana located in the southern part of the state.
Larry Bird’s Early Life in French Lick
Larry Joe Bird was born to Claude Joseph Bird and Georgia Kerns. His father worked as a maintenance man and his mother worked at a diner. The family struggled financially and lived in a small 2-bedroom home. Bird shared a room with his four siblings.
As a child, Bird was incredibly shy and suffered from a stuttering problem. However, he found solace on the basketball court near his home. He spent hours practicing his jump shot and honing his skills. Bird played for Springs Valley High School where he dominated the competition, averaging over 30 points per game during his junior and senior seasons.
Despite his incredible talent, Bird drew little interest from top college basketball programs due to questions about his athleticism and conditioning. He eventually accepted a scholarship at Indiana University but left after just 24 days, unhappy with the large campus environment. Bird returned home and enrolled at Northwood University before transferring to Indiana State University.
College and NBA Career
At Indiana State, Bird led his team to a 33-1 record and the NCAA championship game in 1979. Though they lost to Michigan State, Bird won numerous awards including the Naismith and Wooden Awards for National Player of the Year.
The Boston Celtics selected Bird with the 6th overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft. Immediately, he transformed the struggling franchise into a championship contender. During his 13-year NBA career, Bird led the Celtics to 3 NBA titles and won 3 consecutive MVP awards (1984-1986).
Known for his tireless work ethic and clutch shooting, Larry Bird is considered one of the greatest basketball players in history. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998 and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996.
Larry Bird’s Accomplishments and Awards
- 3x NBA Champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
- 3x NBA MVP (1984, 1985, 1986)
- 12x NBA All-Star (1980-1988, 1990-1992)
- 2x NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
- 9x All-NBA Selection (1980-1988)
- 3x All-Defensive Second Team (1982-1984)
- 1980 Rookie of the Year
- 1992 Olympic Gold Medal with Dream Team
Life After Retirement
After chronic back problems forced his retirement in 1992, Larry Bird transitioned to coaching. He started as a special assistant with the Celtics before becoming head coach of the Indiana Pacers from 1997 to 2000. Bird then served as the Pacers President of Basketball Operations from 2003 to 2012, assembling a roster that reached the Eastern Conference Finals in 2004.
In 1997, Bird was named Executive of the Year after the Pacers made their first NBA Finals appearance. Today, he remains with the Pacers organization as President of Basketball Operations.
Off the court, Larry Bird has supported various charitable causes as well. He hosts the Larry Bird Celebrity Golf Tournament which raises funds for Indiana children’s charities. Bird also founded “Larry Bird Stuff” to provide gifts for underprivileged children during Christmas.
Impact on the Community
Larry Bird had an immense impact on the community of French Lick and the state of Indiana. Though he found fame and fortune in Boston, Bird remains devoted to his home state. After being inducted into the Hall of Fame, Bird remarked, “All my life I played for everything I’ve got. But the Hall of Fame? All the glory goes to French Lick.”
Bird inspired thousands of young basketball players from Indiana with his phenomenal skills and tireless work ethic. His success gave hope that someone from a small town in Indiana could reach the pinnacle of professional basketball.
The success Bird brought to the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers franchises also economically boosted French Lick. In 2007, a $240 million casino resort and hotel opened bearing Bird’s name. Bird and his brothers Tim and Eddie worked closely on the project which revitalized tourism in the declining town.
Larry Bird remains one of basketball’s most legendary icons and a source of great Hoosier pride. Though he left Indiana after high school, his roots there helped shape him into one of the sport’s fiercest competitors and an ambassador for the state.
Conclusion
In summary, Larry Bird was born in the small town of French Lick, Indiana in 1956. He overcame economic hardship and doubts about his abilities to become a high school, college and NBA star. Bird led the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1980s and is considered one of the greatest basketball players ever.
After retirement, Bird coached and managed the Indiana Pacers, working to bring pride and wins to his home state. His success as a player and contribution to the state’s economy as an executive have made Larry Bird a treasured figure both in Indiana basketball lore and the community of French Lick.