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 a retired American professional basketball player, coach, and executive. Widely considered one of basketball's all-time greats, Bird achieved the unique distinction of winning NBA Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year awards. His career spanned from 1979 to 1992, all with the Boston Celtics, where he won three NBA championships and three MVP awards.

Sections (5)

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

1926: Birth of Claude Joseph Bird

In 1926, Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird, Larry Bird's father, was born. He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War.

1930: Birth of Georgia Marie Kerns

In 1930, Georgia Marie Kerns, Larry Bird's mother, was born. She would later marry Claude Joseph Bird.

December 7, 1956: Larry Bird's Birth

On December 7, 1956, Larry Joe Bird was born. He would later become a celebrated 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, having starred for their basketball team.

1974: Scholarship to Indiana Hoosiers

In 1974, Larry Bird received a scholarship to play college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers under coach Bob Knight.

February 1975: Father's Suicide

In February 1975, Larry Bird's father, Joe Bird, committed suicide after divorcing Georgia.

1975: Death of Claude Joseph Bird

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

1975: Marriage to Janet Condra

In 1975, Larry Bird married Janet Condra, but the marriage lasted less than a year.

1975: Enrolled at Indiana State University

In 1975, after a brief period at Northwood Institute, Larry Bird enrolled at Indiana State University in Terre Haute.

1977: Birth of Daughter, Corrie

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

1978: Drafted by the Boston Celtics

In 1978, Larry Bird was drafted by the Boston Celtics with the sixth overall pick in the NBA draft after his second year at Indiana State, but he chose to remain in college for another year.

1979: Graduation from Indiana State University

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

1985: Back Injury

During the 1985 offseason, Larry Bird injured his back shoveling crushed rock while creating a driveway at his mother's house, which led to back problems for the rest of his career.

1988: Surgical Removal of Bone Spurs

In 1988, Larry Bird's season ended after six games due to the surgical removal of bone spurs from both of his heels.

1989: Marriage to Dinah Mattingly

In 1989, Larry Bird married Dinah Mattingly, and they have two adopted children, Conner and Mariah.

1990: Compressed Nerve Root in Back

After leading the Celtics to a 29-5 start to the 1990-91 season, Larry Bird missed 22 games due to a compressed nerve root in his back.

1991: Off-Season Back Surgery

In 1991, Larry Bird had off-season surgery to remove a disc from his back, but his back problems persisted.

1992: Missed Games Due to Back Problems

During the 1992 Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Larry Bird missed four of the seven games due to recurring back problems.

February 4, 1993: Bird's Retirement Ceremony

On February 4, 1993, Magic Johnson attended Larry Bird's retirement ceremony and emotionally referred to Bird as a "friend forever," highlighting the deep friendship that developed despite their intense rivalry.