33 facts to celebrate Larry Bird’s 60th birthday….

Larry Bird, one of the most iconic figures in basketball history, celebrated his 60th birthday on December 7, 2016. Here are 33 intriguing facts to honor his legendary career and life:

1. **Birthplace**: Larry Bird was born in West Baden Springs, Indiana.
2. **Middle Name**: His middle name is Joe.
3. **Early Education**: He attended Springs Valley High School in French Lick, Indiana.
4. **College Beginnings**: Initially enrolled at Indiana University but dropped out due to homesickness.
5. **Indiana State University**: He then transferred to Indiana State University, leading the Sycamores to the 1979 NCAA Championship game.
6. **Drafted by the Celtics**: Bird was the sixth overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1978 NBA Draft.
7. **Historic Rivalry**: His rivalry with Magic Johnson began in college and continued throughout their NBA careers.
8. **Rookie Impact**: In his rookie year, he led the Celtics to a 61-21 record, a significant improvement from their previous 29-53 season.
9. **Nicknames**: Known as “Larry Legend” and “The Hick from French Lick.”
10. **NBA MVP**: Bird won three consecutive NBA MVP awards from 1984 to 1986.
11. **All-Star Appearances**: He was a 12-time NBA All-Star.
12. **All-NBA First Teams**: Selected to nine All-NBA First Teams.
13. **NBA Championships**: Bird led the Celtics to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
14. **Finals MVP**: Named NBA Finals MVP twice.
15. **Scoring Record**: Scored a career-high 60 points against the Atlanta Hawks in 1985.
16. **Three-Point Contest**: Won the first three NBA Three-Point Contests (1986-1988).
17. **Triple-Doubles**: Recorded the fifth-most triple-doubles in NBA history (59).
18. **Free-Throw Leader**: Led the NBA in free-throw percentage four times.
19. **Career Stats**: Averaged 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game.
20. **Rookie of the Year**: Won the NBA Rookie of the Year award with averages of 21.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
21. **Olympic Gold**: Won a gold medal with the Dream Team at the 1992 Olympics.
22. **Injuries**: Underwent multiple surgeries, including heel surgery that limited his play in the 1988-89 season.
23. **Retirement**: Announced his retirement from playing on August 18, 1992.
24. **Post-Retirement**: Served as a special assistant in the Celtics’ front office from 1992 to 1997.
25. **Coach and Executive**: Became the head coach of the Indiana Pacers in 1997 and later served as their president of basketball operations.
26. **Triple Crown**: The only person in NBA history to be named MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.
27. **Hall of Fame**: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998.
28. **Early Life Struggles**: Grew up in a financially struggling family with his mother working multiple jobs.
29. **Personal Life**: Has three brothers and a sister, with whom he shares a close bond.
30. **Iconic Logo**: Twitter’s logo is named “Larry the Bird” after him.
31. **Business Ventures**: Involved in various business and charity efforts post-retirement.
32. **Enduring Influence**: Continues to influence basketball as an advisor and mentor.
33. **Celtics Loyalty**: Played all 13 of his NBA seasons with the Boston Celtics.

Larry Bird’s legacy extends beyond his on-court achievements; his influence on basketball and sports culture remains profound [[❞]](https://www.khou.com/article/sports/33-facts-to-celebrate-larry-birds-60th-birthday/285-365339062) [[❞]](https://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/larry-bird-8527.php).