Childhood Memories: Larry “The Legend” Bird

For the most part I had a really good childhood. I was a dreamer. I hoped for big things. Not like the biggest toy, but I hoped to do big things in my life. Things came easy back then. I didn’t have a care in the world. All I needed were three simple things to make me happy: SPORTS, SPORTS, and MORE SPORTS. When I was younger, I watched ESPN Basketball Classics almost religiously. I love all sports, but basketball was my favorite. Watching ESPN Classics was so inspiring, because the most-played episodes were featuring the Magic Johnson vs. Larry Bird rivalry. Arguably the best athlete rivalry ever. I idolized Larry “the Legend.” Sometimes calling him “the Great White Hope,” or, my favorite nickname, “the Basketball Jesus.” Yes, he was white. I could relate. He had absolutely no extraordinary physical ability. I could definitely relate. He was the only player in NBA history to ever exhibit a mustache-mullet combo. I couldn’t relate, since ... (link)