(Google Images)

Larry “Legend” Bird

“Real leaders are ordinary people with extraordinary determination” (Unknown). This quote embodies Larry Bird and his legendary domination during the 80’s. Bird started off in college basketball at Indiana State where he led his team to the championship as a Senior (“Larry Bird Biography”). Bird became an NBA player the following year, leaving with many prestigious awards (Larry Bird Biography”). Bird turned the poorly performing Celtics around with his strong leadership and made the Celtics one of the most outstanding teams in the league (“Larry Bird Biography”). Bird ended his career with the victory with the dream team in the U.S. Olympics and the admittance into the Hall of Fame (“Larry Bird Biography”). Although, Bird sounds like a standard basketball legend, he is far different from other famous players because of his perseverance, style, and charisma. Larry Bird is the iconic symbol of the common man rising to be the best because of his willpower and attitude.

Bird made use of his humble beginnings, and overcame obstacles to become a basketball star. He played competitively with his big family, and practiced day in and out to be the best basketball player he could be. Bird decided to attend his local colleges, but it didn’t work out as he dropped out of Indiana University. He was forced to take up being a garbage man to support his family and his father committed suicide. He then had a failed marriage. Despite all of this, Bird decided to attend Indiana State and he led his team to win a gold medal at the World University Games and became the “most publicized college player in the country” (“Larry Bird”). Larry’s decision to return to basketball despite many tragedies indicates his character. It shows that Larry is a fighter, he is willing to overcome misfortunes and personal setbacks. His assiduous persona and passion is what separates Bird from the common man and is also what makes him a hero. Bird is remembered as one of the dedicated players, one who would jump into the stands for loose balls and shoot consistently. His stellar performance brought thousands of people to see him play (“Larry Bird Bio”). In 1987, Bird was hindered by back problems and foot surgery, but he still played his hardest despite the pain. Bird’s aggressive game performance and his determination to be an excellent player displays his obsession to be flawless. He’s also willing to ignore all kinds of pain to win because of his pride, passion, and willpower. Larry Bird is a person that never stops working; he perseveres and soars above his obstacles.

(Google Images)

Larry Bird is the epitome of self-confidence and excellence that encouraged others and captivated fans. He was known to walk up to the opponent’s bench and tell them, he’ll have 40 points by the game ends (“Larry Bird Bio”). “’Anytime you have Bird on the floor, anything can happen,’” (“Larry Bird Bio”). People from all over the country piled in to see Larry play; his final 541 games were sold out, all over the country (“Larry Bird Bio”). This shows how famous and popular Bird was and displays the admiration Larry captured. Bird was truly a legend to fans and everyone that he met. Larry was also known to push the entire team to do better using his stellar performance and fortitude. Bird led his team by excelling individually and pressuring his team to be better. “’He pulls people together. When he talks, you come into his world. That’s what a coach has to do.’” (“Larry Bird Bio”). This exemplifies the unity Bird brings and how he sways people to be their very best. His amazing play and insistence for precision defined Bird as a true leader and hero to all fans of basketball. Bird is the embodiment of confidence and brilliance that classified the “basketball legend”.

Larry Bird is known as the “Hick from French Lick”, a humble man metamorphosed into the hard-working legend to inspire those to come. Bird had tragedies and set backs, but he persevered and became a basketball star, leading the Celtics. Being a perfectionist inspired others and his confidence stirred the masses. Bird exemplifies the common man in us all to overcome obstacles and to go the last round, or push through the last quarter for the victory of life. Larry Bird is a legend, a basketball player, a man, but most importantly, a prime example of the will in all of us to be the very best.

Works Cited:

"Larry Bird Biography." N.p., 2008. Web. 17 Dec 2010. .

"Larry Bird Bio." NBA Media Ventures, 2010. Web. 13 Dec 2010. .

"Larry Bird." U*X*L Biographies. Detroit: U*X*L, 2003. Gale Student Resources In Context. Web. 13 Dec. 2010.

"Bird, Larry." UXL Encyclopedia of World Biography. Ed. Laura B. Tyle. Vol. 2. Detroit: UXL, 2003. 224-227. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 17 Dec. 2010.

Reed, William F. "Bird, Larry." World Book Advanced. World Book, 2010. Web. 17 Dec. 2010.