Larry Bird: the life and career of an Indiana icon

<p dir="ltr">Following up last week's show about the lavish <strong><a href= "https://www.frenchlick.com/french-lick-springs-hotel.htm">French Lick Springs Hotel</a></strong>, <strong><a href= "https://www.hoosierhistorylive.org/">Hoosier History Live</a></strong> will focus on the southern Indiana town's other claim to national fame. <strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Lick,_Indiana">French Lick</a></strong>, of course, is the hometown of the basketball superstar often called "Larry Legend". He also became known as "The Hick from French Lick".</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Bird">Larry Bird</a></strong> persevered through significant challenges in his youth (including an impoverished family and a tragedy) to become one of the greatest players in NBA history. Before that, he was a sensational player at <strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Springs_Valley_High_School">Springs Valley High School</a></strong>, then reaped national fame at <strong><a href="https://www.indstate.edu/">Indiana State University</a></strong>. After his playing career, he coached the <strong><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_Pacers">Indiana Pacers</a></strong>, lifting the team to unprecedented success, then served in top management for the organization. His triumphs also include playing on America's <a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_United_States_men%27s_Olympic_basketball_team"><strong>Dream Team One</strong></a> in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics (the first time NBA players were permitted in the Olympic games), even though he was in excruciating pain.</p> <p dir="ltr">Our guide as we explore Larry Bird's life and career will be veteran sports journalist <strong><a href= "https://markmontieth.com/bio/">Mark Montieth</a></strong>, currently a sports columnist for the <strong><em><a href= "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indianapolis_Business_Journal">Indianapolis Business Journal</a></em></strong>. As the former Pacers beat reporter for the <strong><em