Anyone familiar with the NBA games in the 1970s and 1980s would know the legendary basketball player Larry Bird. Corrie Bird is the only biological daughter of Larry, born to him in his not-up-to-a-year marriage to Janet Condra.
The girl grew up with her mother for two reasons: her parents divorced before her birth, and Larry Bird initially claimed Corrie was not his child. She has since been in the spotlight as the daughter of one of the greatest basketball players ever.
Corrie Bird’s Early Life and Education
Corrie was born on August 14, 1977, in Indiana, United States of America. Following in Larry’s footsteps, she attended Indiana State University, obtaining a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and business administration.
She also attended Wesleyan Indiana University and obtained an MBA in health management, allowing her to practice as a health manager. Till today, she has worked in several hospitals around Indiana as a health business manager.
Meet Corrie’s Parents, Larry Bird and Janet Condra
Larry and Janet’s story began in the small town of French Lick in Indiana. Corrie Bird’s parents met there and started dating at a tender age. They both attended Springs Valley High School in French Lick and were childhood sweethearts.
Corrie’s mother, Janet Condra, was a former mail courier who worked multiple jobs to support her kids. Her father, Larry Bird, played for the NBA until he retired.
The two lovebirds tied the knot in 1975 after Larry returned from playing on the college basketball team. Janet Condra was a simple Indiana lady then. Therefore, she only rose to prominence because of her ties to the basketball great.
However, after being married for a few months, the new couple discovered they could not live together and separated. But unfortunately, Janet got pregnant during the couple’s failed attempt to get back together. This led to a controversy that could only be settled in court.
The Controversy Around Corrie Bird’s Birth
Corrie Bird was born after her parents could not repair their union. Larry repeatedly denied fathering Corrie and rejected the solicitation to pay $40 weekly for child support.
The misconceptions cleared off after a DNA test of the child showed that she belonged to him. Yet, that did not mark any beginning of a close tie between the father and daughter. Instead, Larry only set up an account for the upkeep of his daughter and left to pursue his NBA dreams.
As Corrie grew older, she began to seek the love and care of her estranged father. During an interview with Oprah Winfrey, she said she had even written him letters and sent him her report cards via priority mail, but all her efforts were never reciprocated.
Once in a while, she would coax her mother to go with her to her father’s games to have a glimpse of him. It must have been hard growing up without the love of a father. But Corrie found her path eventually. It is a different path from her father’s.
In What Ways Is Corrie Bird Different From Her Father, Larry Bird?
Corrie did not take to sports like her father but took a different path. Even though she began with school athletics, she never ended there. This could be attributed to the strenuous relationship between her mother and father. Corrie chose a field of study in the business and administration sector and currently works as an American healthcare manager in a top hospital in Indiana, United States.
Larry Bird’s upbringing wasn’t impoverished, but it wasn’t a comfortable life either. Along his journey to greatness, he proved all doubters wrong and overcame obstacles on and off the court. It was never about fast cars, expensive wine, rich food, and real estate. He just wanted to do his thing and made it big with fewer distractions.
It seemed Corrie was one of the distractions. In the interview with Oprah, Corrie said she always wanted her dad to acknowledge her existence and try to have a relationship with her, but it was never possible.
Corrie Bird’s Family
Corrie Bird is happily married to Trent Theopolis Batson, a security specialist. They exchanged vows at the White Chapel on May 17, 2008, followed by a delightful reception at the Rose Hulman Hall.
Their marital bond has flourished for over a decade as they have shared their lives. Trent Batson, Corrie’s husband, has two children, Samantha and Christian, from his previous marriage.
Their first child, Violet Marie Batson, was born on June 18, 2012, at the Indiana University Hospital, marking a moment of immense joy for Trent and Corrie. Five years later, on April 20, 2017, they were again blessed with the birth of their son, Sebastian Grey Smith. Trent has custody of his two older children, creating a blended family of six.
Corrie Bird Has a Good Relationship With Her Siblings
In 1989, Larry embarked on his second journey down the aisle as he married his beloved, Dinah Mattingly. The couple’s love led them to adopt two children, Mariah Bird, and Connor Bird. While Mariah has chosen to maintain a private life away from the public eye, her brother has unfortunately been entangled in various scandals.
One such incident involved an attempt to run someone over with his car and underage drinking. Despite these challenges, Corrie shares a strong and positive bond with her half-siblings.
Also, despite not being acknowledged by Larry for a long time, Corrie built a fulfilling life. She has a loving family and achieved success in her managerial career. Additionally, she seemed to have forgiven her father as she has a positive relationship with him.