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 considered one of basketball's all-time greats. He excelled as a player, coach, and executive in the NBA. Bird achieved the unique distinction of being the only person in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.

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.

1930: Birth of Georgia Marie (Kerns)

In 1930, Georgia Marie (née Kerns), Larry Bird's mother, was born.

December 7, 1956: Larry Bird's Birth

On December 7, 1956, Larry Joe Bird was born. He would become an American former professional basketball player, coach, and executive in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

1974: Graduation from Springs Valley High School

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

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, Larry Bird's father, Joe, committed suicide after his parents divorced when Larry was in high school.

1975: Enrolled at Indiana State University

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

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: Graduated from Indiana State University

In 1979, Larry Bird graduated from Indiana State with a Bachelor of Science degree in physical education. During his college career, he averaged 30.3 points, 13.3 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game.

1979: Played in NCAA Championship Game

In 1979, Larry Bird led Indiana State to the NCAA championship game against Michigan State, where they lost 75–64. Bird scored 19 points but made only 7 of 21 shots.

1985: Back Injury While 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 back problems for the rest of his career.

1986: Jordan sets NBA playoff record

In 1986, after Game 2 of the Celtics' first-round series against the Bulls when Michael Jordan scored an NBA playoff-record 63 points in a 135-131 Celtics win, Larry Bird famously called Jordan 'God disguised as Michael Jordan.'

1987: Trash-talking incident with Dennis Rodman

During the 1987 Eastern Conference finals, Larry Bird engaged in intense trash-talking with Dennis Rodman, a player known for his defensive abilities, and belittled Rodman's skills.

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.

1992: Jordan Defers to Bird and Magic

In 1992, Michael Jordan deferred to Larry Bird and Magic Johnson for co-captaincy of the United States men's Olympic basketball team.

February 4, 1993: Johnson's appearance at Bird's retirement ceremony

On February 4, 1993, Magic Johnson attended Larry Bird's retirement ceremony and emotionally described Bird as a "friend forever,"

2012: Parting Ways with the Pacers

On the day before the 2012 NBA draft, Larry Bird and the Indiana Pacers announced that they would be parting ways, citing health issues as a contributing factor.

May 2024: Opening of the Larry Bird Museum

In May 2024, the Larry Bird Museum was opened in Terre Haute, Indiana, containing memorabilia from his career along with interactive exhibits and interviews.