Larry Bird’s family is large, consisting of successful sportspersons, and he is the most famous among them. He is a legendary basketball player who played on the courts for Boston Celtics for 13 seasons.
He rose to fame in the team from 1979 through the 80s. Through his success on the court and his rivalry with Magic Johnson, Bird became one of the faces of the NBA throughout the 1980s and helped to popularize the sport.
Larry Bird’s Family Background
Bird was born to the Irish-originated family of Joe and Georgia on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. Larry Bird grew up in a large family with five siblings, all of whom were basketball enthusiasts.
His father worked as a construction worker, and he was an avid outdoorsman. His mother was a homemaker who spent much of her time looking after their large family. Larry Bird was the fifth child in the family and had two older brothers, Mark and Mike, and two older sisters, Linda and Marianne.
The Origin of Larry Bird’s Passion for Basketball
Larry Bird’s family is credited as the source of his basketball passion. The legendary player was heavily influenced by his older brothers, who introduced him to basketball. But, it would typically be hard to imagine Bird growing up in such a family without having a stint in the courts.
He and all his brothers were tall. His height at some point measured 6.9ft, which could have quickly gone to waste if he had not pursued his passion for basketball. He spent countless hours practicing with them in their backyard and local gym. Bird’s love for the sport grew stronger as he got older, and he eventually became one of the greatest basketball players ever.
In 1989, Larry Bird married his high school sweetheart, Dinah Mattingly, and they have two children, Conner and Mariah. Throughout his career, Bird was grounded and devoted to his family despite his success on the court. Today, he remains a devoted grandfather to his six grandchildren.
His Siblings’ Success in Sports
Larry Bird’s siblings also had their fair share of success in sports. His older brother, Mark, played basketball at Indiana State University and later served as a coach for several professional teams. Mike, Bird’s other older brother, played basketball at Indiana University and later became a scout for the Boston Celtics.
Linda and Marianne, Bird’s older sisters, were accomplished athletes in their own right, excelling in tennis and track and field, respectively. His younger brother, Eddie, was also a professional basketball player who enjoyed prominence.
Larry Bird’s Successful Basketball Career
However, he is seen as the most successful among his siblings. From receiving a scholarship to play basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers in 1974, Bird would have a storied career in the NBA. He became a three-time league MVP, a 12-time All-Star, and won three NBA championships from five finals with the Boston Celtics.
In his early years, Bird played college basketball at Indiana State University. There, he quickly established himself as one of the best players in the country. By his senior year, he had led the Sycamores to an undefeated regular season. Also, he helped them to a spot in the NCAA championship game. However, they lost the game to Magic Johnson‘s Michigan State Spartans.
Bird became one of the top players in the NBA immediately after being drafted by Boston Celtics. He won the league’s Rookie of the Year award in his first season and led the Celtics to the playoffs.
Larry Bird is one of America’s finest basketball players. However, he believes his success is due to his large, close-knit family of basketball enthusiasts. His parents and siblings significantly shaped his life and career, and he remains devoted to them.
Larry Bird’s Legacy
Bird’s career was defined by his versatility and his ability to make his teammates better. He was a deadly shooter from beyond the arc, a tenacious defender, and a master of the fundamentals of basketball.
Additionally, the retired basketballer was competitive and had a legendary work ethic. Many pundits have credited his dominance throughout his career to his fantastic work ethic
Bird retired from the NBA in 1992, and in 1998, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. After he retired, he served as a coach and an executive in the NBA. His legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history continues to inspire new generations of fans and players.