Who Is Dinah Mattingly? Have you ever wondered about the person who stands by Larry Bird’s side? Let’s meet Dinah Mattingly, the woman who shares love, laughter, and life with the basketball legend.
Birth, Parents, and Education
Dinah Mattingly was born on November 16, 1954, in Naples, Florida, United States. She grew up in Terre Haute, Indiana, where she attended high school.
Her parents raised her in a relatively low-key environment, and she maintained a private life even after marrying one of the most famous basketball players of all time.
After completing high school, Dinah Mattingly pursued her education at Indiana State University.
Relationship with Larry Bird
Dinah studied at Indiana State University alongside her future husband, Larry Bird. The two met while studying at the same institution, and their relationship blossomed during their college years.
Dinah’s low-profile nature continued throughout her academic journey, even as she became more widely known due to her association with Larry Bird.
Dinah and Larry Bird started dating during their college years at Indiana State University. They got engaged in the late 1980s and eventually tied the knot on October 31, 1989, in Indiana, United States.
Their wedding was an intimate affair attended only by close friends and relatives.
Family Life
Dinah Mattingly became a stepmother when she married Larry Bird in 1989. Larry Bird’s first marriage to Janet Condra resulted in a daughter named Corrie Bird.
So, Dinah stepped into the role of Corrie’s stepmother and embraced her with love and care. Larry and Dinah adopted Mariah and Connor in 1991 and 1992 respectively.
Connor made headlines in 2013 when he was arrested at Indiana University.
He faced charges of attempted murder after trying to hit his ex-girlfriend with his car. Other charges included possession of marijuana, intimidation with a weapon, and criminal mischief.
Some charges were later dropped, and Connor was eventually released. While there isn’t much public information about Mariah, she is an integral part of their family.
Larry King: Husband
Larry Joe Bird was born on December 7, 1956, in West Baden Springs, Indiana. He spent his childhood in French Lick, Indiana, a small town where basketball held significant cultural importance as more than just a game but a way of life.
His nickname, “the Hick from French Lick,” reflects his humble beginnings and rural upbringing.
Bird graduated from Springs Valley High School, where he refined his abilities and cultivated a strong passion for the sport. Bird played college basketball for the Indiana State Sycamores from 1976 to 1979.
In 1979, he guided the Sycamores to the NCAA Championship game against a Michigan State team led by Magic Johnson.
The Bird vs. Magic matchup became legendary, and despite Indiana State’s loss, Bird’s performance captured the nation’s attention.
He won numerous awards during his college career, including being named the national college player of the year in 1979.
NBA Career with the Boston Celtics
Bird was selected by the Boston Celtics as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA Draft. From 1979 to 1992, he played for the Celtics, becoming the face of the franchise.
Bird’s style of play was characterized by his basketball IQ, versatility, and clutch performances. He played both as a small forward and a power forward, excelling in scoring, passing, and rebounding.
Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson (who played for the Los Angeles Lakers) defined an era of NBA basketball.
Championships and Individual Accolades
Larry Bird was a key leader for the Boston Celtics, helping them win three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
He was also recognized for his exceptional performance in the NBA Finals, winning the MVP award twice in 1984 and 1986.
Additionally, Bird achieved the prestigious title of NBA Most Valuable Player three years in a row from 1984 to 1986.
His talent as a shooter was widely acknowledged and he is considered one of the best pure shooters in NBA history. He was a 12-time NBA All-Star, and his impact extended beyond statistics.
Life Beyond Basketball
Bird retired as a player in 1992 but continued to contribute to the game. He became a successful coach and executive.
He was awarded the NBA Coach of the Year in 1998 while serving as the head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Subsequently, he transitioned to an executive role and received the NBA Executive of the Year award in 2012.
Bird’s competitiveness, work ethic, and leadership left an indelible mark on the NBA. His iconic battles with Magic Johnson elevated the league’s popularity during the 1980s.
Movies, Video Games and Commercials
Bird has appeared as himself in several movies, including “Blue Chips” (1994), “Space Jam” (1996), and “Celtic Pride” (1996). His presence extends to basketball video games, where he remains a mainstay.
Over the years, Bird has featured in countless commercials, showcasing his charisma and love for the game.
Net Worth
Dinah Mattingly’s estimated net worth is approximately $500,000. Her financial situation has been influenced by her husband, Larry Bird, who is a former professional basketball player and has a net worth of around $75 million.
She occasionally accompanies Larry Bird to many basketball games.
Despite her husband’s substantial wealth, Dinah has focused on hobbies and finding joy rather than accumulating wealth for herself.
Social Media Presence
Dinah Mattingly, Larry Bird’s wife, maintains a remarkably low profile when it comes to social media. In fact, she has no known presence on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter; whereas Larry Bird @larry_bird_33 has 27.1 K followers on Instagram.
Residence
Former NBA player Larry Bird currently resides in a lavish mansion located in Naples, Florida. Throughout his career with the Boston Celtics, Bird resided in the suburban area of Brooklyn, Massachusetts.
Despite retiring in 1992, Bird has remained involved with the NBA. He previously sold his Indiana home, where he had lived for many years.
In 2001, construction on his opulent mansion was completed and he made the decision to relocate from Indiana to Florida.
Since retiring from his position as President of Basketball Operations for the Indiana Pacers, Bird and his wife Dina Mattingly have been residing in their spectacular mansion in Naples.
Bottom Line
Dinah Mattingly has been Larry Bird’s supportive partner for many years, sharing both good and tough times with the basketball star. As they move forward, Dinah continues to be a key part of their life, showing how important it is to have someone you can rely on.