Georgia and Claude Joseph “Joe” Bird welcomed Larry Joe Bird into the world on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. A Korean War veteran parent, he is one of five children with his wife.
The Rookie of the Year award went to Bird in 1980. In 1981, 1984, and 1986, Larry Bird led the Boston Celtics to three NBA championships. As if it wasn’t enough, he has won three straight NBA MVP honors in 1984, 1985, and 1986. NBA All-Star for the 12th time and MVP finalist for the 1984 and 1986 seasons, respectively. In addition, Bird was the first individual to win the NBA MVP award, the NBA Coach of the Year award, and the NBA Executive Award.
When he arrived at Indiana University in 1974, Bird obtained a basketball scholarship, but he struggled to fit in and left out after less than a month on the school. To prepare for Indiana State, he attended Northwood Institute (now Northwood University) in French Lick.
He was forced to retire at the age of 36 after undergoing back fusion surgery because of his injuries. Bird was criticized for being too highly regarded at several points throughout his career. Although he was always adored, When Eric James Trophy was sentenced to 30 years in jail for robbery and attempted murder, he asked that his sentence be increased to 33 years so that he may wear Larry Bird’s No. 33 jersey while in prison.