Larry Bird Family Tree: The Story Behind Boston's Hick from French Lick

Larry Joe Bird, born 7 December 1956 in West Baden Springs, Indiana, USA, is an American former NBA superstar — 3 NBA Championships (Boston Celtics 1981, 84, 86); 3× consecutive NBA MVP (1984, 85, 86); 2× Finals MVP; 12× All-Star; later coach of Indiana Pacers (1997 Coach of Year).

The Family's Roots: A Working-Class Indiana Family

Family from French Lick, Indiana; father was a Korean War veteran; committed suicide in 1975.

His Parents

Father: Claude Joseph "Joe" Bird (d. 1975) — Korean War veteran; alcoholic; committed suicide.

Mother: Georgia Bird — worked as waitress and cook.

His Siblings

Mike Bird — elder brother.

Mark Bird — elder brother.

Linda Bird — sister.

Jeff Bird — brother.

Eddie Bird — younger brother.

His First Wife: Janet Condra

Janet Condra — married Larry in 1975; divorced 1976.

Their Daughter

Corrie Bird, born 14 August 1977 — daughter (Larry did not know her until later).

His Wife: Dinah Mattingly

Dinah Mattingly — American. Married Larry on 31 October 1989.

Their Adopted Children

Conner Bird, born 1992 — adopted son.

Mariah Bird, born 1991 — adopted daughter; Indiana Pacers marketing exec.

The Bird Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Joe Bird (d. 1975) — Korean War veteran; suicide.

Mother: Georgia Bird.

Siblings: Mike; Mark; Linda; Jeff; Eddie.

First Wife: Janet Condra (m. 1975, div. 1976).

Daughter (Janet): Corrie Bird (b. 14 August 1977).

Wife: Dinah Mattingly (m. 31 October 1989).

Adopted Children: Conner (b. 1992); Mariah (b. 1991).

Larry Bird:

  • Born 7 December 1956, West Baden Springs
  • Left Indiana University 1974 (too big a campus); Indiana State 1976-79
  • 1979 NCAA Final: Indiana State vs Michigan State (Bird vs Magic) — one of the most-watched games ever
  • Drafted 6th overall 1978 (Boston Celtics — before graduating)
  • 3 NBA Championships: 1981, 84, 86
  • 3× consecutive NBA MVP: 1984, 85, 86
  • 2× Finals MVP: 1984, 86; 12× All-Star
  • 1992 Dream Team Olympic gold
  • Retired 1992 (back injuries)
  • Indiana Pacers coach: 1997-2000 (1997 Coach of Year)
  • Pacers President of Basketball Operations: 2003-2012, 2013-2017
  • Only person to be NBA MVP, Coach of Year, and Executive of Year

What the Bird Family Story Teaches Us

A Korean-War-veteran father who committed suicide when Larry was 18. A waitress mother. Five siblings. A short first marriage that produced an unknown daughter. A 35-year marriage with 2 adopted children. A career that produced 3 titles, 3 MVPs, and unique NBA record.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Bird story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross Indiana small-town origin to NBA history's most-complete résumé.

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