Childhood and Education Journey of Larry Bird in Timeline

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Larry Bird. A timeline of key moments.

Larry Bird, nicknamed "the Hick from French Lick" and "Larry Legend", is an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the NBA, widely considered one of the greatest of all time. Bird is the only person in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year, showcasing his multifaceted impact on the sport. His skill, competitiveness, and leadership were instrumental in the Boston Celtics' success during the 1980s.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Legacy & Impact

1926: Birth of Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird

In 1926, Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, Larry Bird's father, was born. He passed away in 1975.

1930: Birth of Georgia Marie Kerns

In 1930, Georgia Marie Kerns, later to become Larry Bird's mother, was born. She passed away in 1996.

December 7, 1956: Larry Bird's Birth

On December 7, 1956, Larry Joe Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He later became a professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the NBA.

1974: Graduation from Springs Valley High School

In 1974, Larry Bird graduated from Springs Valley High School as the school's all-time leading scorer, averaging 31 points, 21 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a senior.

1974: Scholarship to Indiana Hoosiers

In 1974, Larry Bird received a scholarship to play college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers under head coach Bob Knight but dropped out after less than a month.

February 1975: Father's Suicide

In February 1975, Joe Bird, Larry Bird's father, committed suicide, adding to the family's troubles.

1975: Death of Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird

In 1975, Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, Larry Bird's father, passed away.

1975: Enrollment at Indiana State University

In 1975, Larry Bird enrolled at Indiana State University in Terre Haute after a year of working municipal jobs in French Lick.

1975: Marriage to Janet Condra

In 1975, Larry Bird married Janet Condra.

1977: Birth of Daughter Corrie

In 1977, following an attempted reconciliation, Larry Bird and Janet Condra had a daughter, Corrie.

1979: Graduation from Indiana State University

In 1979, Larry Bird graduated from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education.

1979: NCAA Championship Game

In 1979, Larry Bird led Indiana State to the NCAA championship game against Michigan State, where they lost 75–64 despite his 19 points.

1985: Back Injury from Shoveling Rock

During the 1985 offseason, Larry Bird injured his back shoveling crushed rock to create a driveway at his mother's house, leading to recurring back problems for the remainder of his career.

1989: Marriage to Dinah Mattingly and Autobiography Release

In 1989, Larry Bird married Dinah Mattingly and released his autobiography, "Drive: The Story of My Life," co-written with Bob Ryan.

1996: Death of Georgia Marie (Kerns) Bird

In 1996, Georgia Marie (Kerns) Bird, Larry Bird's mother, passed away.

May 2024: The Larry Bird Museum was opened

In May 2024, the Larry Bird Museum was opened in Terre Haute, Indiana. The museum contains memorabilia from Bird's high school, college and NBA career along with interactive exhibits and interviews with coaches, teammates and rivals.