Larry Bird's Hometown French Lick Unveils Hidden Sports Gems

Larry Bird's Hometown French Lick Unveils Hidden Sports Gems

French Lick, Indiana, is famous for producing one of the greatest basketball players of all time, Larry Bird. However, there's more to this charming town than just its beloved son's athletic achievements. As it turns out, French Lick and its neighboring town, West Baden, have a rich sports history that predates Bird's glory days.

The two towns were once bitter rivals in high school basketball, with their teams becoming the playground for famous figures both loved and feared. World Series champions once trained in the area, and a heavyweight icon used West Baden Springs to prepare for his fights. Even infamous mobsters like Big Jim Colosimo got married at West Baden Springs, while Al Capone was rumored to have frequented the area to escape the attention of life in bustling Chicago.

Larry Bird's high school, Springs Valley, has become a pilgrimage site for fans of the NBA legend. The school's athletic director, Jerry Chaney, has learned to expect visitors from all over the world, all eager to catch a glimpse of the school's famous alumnus. Chaney himself is a die-hard Bird fan, having grown up in Bedford, just 28 miles northeast of French Lick. He recalls staying up late to watch delayed broadcasts of the Boston Celtics games, and he's proud to be a part of preserving and celebrating the history of French Lick.

As MLB teams continue to head to French Lick and West Baden for spring training, the town's sports heritage is sure to continue growing. Chaney is happy to share his knowledge of the area's sports history with visitors, and he's proud to be a part of keeping Larry Bird's legacy alive. Whether you're a sports fan or just a curious visitor, French Lick has plenty to offer.

In the decades before Larry Bird's time, French Lick and West Baden were already making a name for themselves in the sports world. From World Series champions to heavyweight icons, the area has a rich history that's waiting to be uncovered. So why not take a trip to French Lick and experience it for yourself?

The town's athletic director, Jerry Chaney, has seen firsthand the impact of Larry Bird's legacy on the area. He's given out 20 tours a year, and people come from all over to learn more about the NBA legend. Chaney himself is a fan, having grown up in Bedford and watching delayed broadcasts of the Boston Celtics games. He's proud to be a part of preserving and celebrating the history of French Lick.

As you walk around Springs Valley High School, you'll see Bird's No. 33 jerseys hanging in the rafters, a testament to his impressive career. You'll also see pictures of his older brother Mark and younger brother Eddie, who were also accomplished athletes in their own right. There's even a trophy case and classic steeples and seating around the school.

Chaney is happy to share his knowledge of the area's sports history with visitors. He's a gracious host and sees his job as unofficial chauffer and historian as a way of preserving and celebrating the history of French Lick. Whenever he goes to conferences and people ask him where he works, he tells them Springs Valley, and that's when the questions roll in.

category: player_focus