Early 1980s Larry Bird Boston Celtics Game-Used Road Uniform

Larry Bird’s Iconic Boston Celtics Uniform: A Piece of Basketball History

The Legend of Larry Bird

Larry Bird, an Indiana native, was the sixth overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1978 NBA Draft. However, he chose to play one more year at Indiana State, leading his team to its first-ever NCAA Championship Game in 1979. This was where Bird faced his future NBA rival, Magic Johnson. In their rookie NBA season of 1979-1980, Bird outshone Magic by winning the Rookie of the Year honors, igniting a rivalry that would define the 1980s.

Throughout the decade, Bird secured three NBA Championships (1981, 1984, and 1986), with one victory coming at the expense of Johnson’s Lakers. During his illustrious 13-year career, Bird was named NBA MVP for three consecutive seasons (1984-1986) and NBA Finals MVP in 1984 and 1986. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star and was selected nine times to the All-NBA Team. The Boston Celtics honored Bird by retiring his number 33 jersey, and he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1998, two years after being named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players of All-Time.

The Celtics Uniform: A Testament to Greatness

This remarkable Celtics uniform, worn by Bird in the early 1980s, is a testament to his legendary career. The jersey features the “Medalist Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s size 46 tag on the left front tail, with an additional “Designed & Tailored Exclusively for the Boston Celtics” tag above it. The front proudly displays “CELTICS,” with the player number “33” below and on the back, accompanied by the player name “BIRD.” All lettering and numbering are crafted in white tackle twill.

On the back inside waistband, the “Medalist Sand-Knit” manufacturer’s tag is present, with the player number “33” inscribed in black marker. An attached size flag tag, though unreadable, is accompanied by a “79” inventory strip tag. This uniform, presented to us as game-used, shows game-use and appears to have no alterations of any kind, making it a coveted piece for any collector.

Why This Uniform is a Must-Have

• Historical Significance: Worn by Larry Bird during the peak of his career in the early 1980s.
• Iconic Player: Represents one of the greatest basketball players of all time, known for his fierce rivalry with Magic Johnson.
• Pristine Condition: The uniform shows game-use but remains unaltered, preserving its authenticity.
• Exclusive Provenance: Accompanied by an additional Letter of Authenticity (LOA).

For those passionate about basketball memorabilia, this uniform is not just a piece of fabric; it is a fragment of basketball history. It embodies Larry Bird’s enduring legacy and his indelible mark on the game. If you have your own piece of history, consider reaching out to the experts at Grey Flannel Auctions for NBA items appraisal. Additionally, explore our NBA jerseys consignment options to share your treasures with the world.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.