Pacers Notebook: Larry Bird celebrated in Terre Haute at ribbon-cutting for museum
'Today is a special day for me because you're here," Bird told the crowd. Plus, his thoughts on his career, Pacers' run and the passing of Bill Walton. Pre-draft workouts are underway — and more.
Larry Bird left a mark wherever he went.
From French Lick to Terre Haute, up to Boston and then back to Indiana to coach and run the Indiana Pacers.
However, he’s been out of the spotlight, by design, since he stepped down from being president of basketball operations for the Pacers in 2017. He stayed on as a consultant for a bit, no longer had an active role, then returned in a similar role in 2023.
Over the years, though, he’s rarely been heard from. That’s why it was notable when he attended a pre-draft workout at this time last year and then spoke at the Pacers’ tip-off party to All-Star weekend in February.
“I don't know when my last interview has been,” Bird said with a grin Thursday morning. “I've been hiding and I've been living a good life.
“I really don't have any more to say. I've said it all through interviews, through books, through my teammates. I mean, unless I come up with something new, it gets old to me.”
Bird returned to Terre Haute, Indiana — home of Indiana State University — and answered questions from reporters after the ribbon-cutting for the brand new Larry Bird Museum inside the convention center.
The festivities started just after 10:30 a.m. outside, in downtown Terre Haute. Bird kept his remarks to the public brief, to about two minutes. But he started and closed with heartfelt words.
“I want to thank everyone that had anything to do with putting this museum together,” said Bird, 67. “I know it's not easy. Takes a lot of time, a lot of people, but I think you'll enjoy it.
“I know there'll be thousands of young kids come through there. And like I always say, if just one of them gets a feeling to do something, not only in basketball, but other sports, and is successful at it, it's done its job.
“There's so many things in there that brings back memories. You go from Indiana State, then to Boston, then to coaching, then the front office. So there's just so many things to look at and I'm very proud to just be a small part of it.”
As he wrapped up his short message to the crowd on a warm, summer Indiana day, he expressed his gratefulness for their support while also cracking a joke.
“... I'm a shy introvert,” he said. “How in the heck I keep getting up here on stage talking to thousands of people? (laughs) It's always been amazing to me, but it's because of the love and respect that I've always had for my fans, and the love and respect that they show me back.
“And today is a special day for me because you're here. If you were not here, it means nothing.”
The museum is free to tour, although you will need to make a reservation online. (It is closed on Monday and Tuesday.) The event wasn’t well organized and video was not allowed inside the museum, so you’ll have to see it for yourself.
A lot more from Bird on his memories at ISU and getting his degree, plus his thoughts on the Pacers and the passing of Bill Walton below: