Basketball Legend

Authors Note: Larry Bird was a famous basketball legend who still is very well known today.

Squeaky shoes, basketballs bouncing, whistles blowing are all sounds of basketball. Being out on the court was an opportunity not everyone could have; Larry Bird didn’t take that for granted. Having an unfortunate childhood, basketball helped turn his life around.

Born on December 7th, 1956 Larry was raised in French Lick, Indiana. He had an awful childhood, including having a father who was an alcoholic. It is amazing how Larry was able to overcome his difficult childhood and make it to the NBA. Children with that kind of home life when they are young can have difficult adult lives, because they end up acting like their parents. Larry could have turned into an alcoholic, but sports in general helped him get through it.

Earning a Division One scholarship is a dream come true to most athletes. It was to Larry for sure, but he ended up switching schools during his first year. He switched to Indiana State, which was a little school compared to Indiana University. He did a phenomenal job at Indiana State and led his team to the National Championship. At the end of the game, they left with an unfortunate loss. Indiana State has never gone that far again since. Larry Bird was a huge leader and a great player for Indiana State.

In addition to a successful college career, Larry Bird was selected in the first round, with the first pick for the Boston Celtics. While he was on the Celtics, they won several World Championships. Larry, himself, won three Most Value Player (MVP) awards. Larry Bird has always been a humble player. Being six feet nine inches tall, he wasn’t a high jumper and was an underdog compared to other players. Getting this far in life was a great accomplishment considering where he started in life.

As one can see playing basketball at the highest level provided Larry with a fulfilling and productive life. His dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence helped him become the person, the role model, the team leader and the legend he is today.