Doing taught Larry Bird a lot. He worked by himself quite a bit. Bird took inspiration from his parents’ work ethic and applied it to himself. Especially after Joe Bird, Larry’s father, committed himself during Larry’s senior year of high school, his mother worked multiple jobs. Despite not being regarded as a great athlete, Bird’s hard work led to a 13-year Hall of Fame career with the Boston Celtics.
Both on and off the court, Bird was focused. He gained knowledge from his errors. His greatest error occurred off the court, but it was also possibly the most significant lesson he ever learned.
Anyone who knows Bird would tell you that he hasn’t changed from when he was a child. He may be carrying a few extra dollars, but he remains the same French Lick, Indiana, boy. Even as a young NBA player, he would return home to his hometown and dine at the same neighborhood eatery.
Georgia, Bird’s mother, was among the most diligent ladies in the community. She took on other occupations to supplement her income. Blood clots in her legs plagued Bird’s mother during his third NBA season, a time when he was earning millions of dollars. Bird felt that since she had worked all her life, she ought to continue working.
Georgia said, “Larry thinks I should work.” at that time. “In his opinion, everyone ought to work. That’s how he developed into such a talented player. My children were teased about their attire. The boys next door had bikes or basketballs. My kids couldn’t have the same basketball. “You can ride my bike for 10 minutes if you can outrun me down to the post office,” used to be a jocular remark from one of Larry’s friends. Larry used to exhaust himself completely.
