Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana, and raised in nearby French Lick. He was the son of Claude Joseph Bird and Georgia Bird. Bird experienced a challenging childhood; his parents divorced, and tragically, his father later died by suicide. Despite these hardships, Larry’s passion for basketball remained unwavering, earning him the nickname "Hick from French Lick," a nod to his small-town roots.
Bird attended Springs Valley High School, where he quickly became a basketball standout. By the time he graduated, he was the school's all-time leading scorer, cementing his reputation as a promising young talent.
Following high school, Larry Bird was offered a basketball scholarship to Indiana University. However, struggling to adjust to the large campus environment, he left the university shortly after enrolling and returned home. During this time, he worked various jobs to support his family. Bird later enrolled at Indiana State University, where he became a collegiate basketball superstar. His performance and playing style captivated fans and scouts alike.
During his three seasons at Indiana State, he led the team to its first NCAA Championship Game appearance in 1979. Although they lost to Michigan State, Bird's efforts made a lasting impression. He finished his college career as one of the most accomplished players in NCAA history.
Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft, but he officially joined the team in 1979 after completing his collegiate eligibility. Upon signing, he became one of the highest-paid rookies in NBA history at the time. In his debut season, Bird made an immediate impact, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year title in 1980 and receiving his first selection to the NBA All-Star Game that same year.
His rivalry with Magic Johnson, who joined the Los Angeles Lakers, became one of the most iconic matchups in NBA history. The Celtics and Lakers faced off in the NBA Finals in 1984, 1985, and 1987, with Boston winning in 1984. Bird was named NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times consecutively—1984, 1985, and 1986—highlighting his dominance during the peak of his career.
By the 1987-1988 NBA season, Bird had established himself as one of the most exciting and influential players in the league. That season, he averaged a career-high 29.9 points per game. Known for his incredible shooting accuracy, basketball IQ, and clutch performances, Bird earned a reputation as a “scoring machine.” He captivated fans for over a decade with his unique blend of skill, toughness, and court vision.
| Birth Date: | 7 Dec, 1956 |
| Age: | 63 yrs |
| Occupations: | Basketball player Basketball coach Coach |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | West Baden Springs |
| residence: | Indiana |
| Gender: | Male |
| Description: | American basketball player, coach, executive |
| Net Worth 2021: | 75 million |
