In this heartfelt reflection, columnist Court Merrigan shares his childhood experiences growing up on a farm in Indiana, where he developed an admiration for basketball legend Larry Bird. Despite the challenges of practicing on a makeshift outdoor court, Merrigan found inspiration in Bird’s achievements and tried to emulate his skills. The article recounts Merrigan’s journey from a young boy shooting hoops on a gravel pad to finally attending a game at Boston’s historic TD Garden with his son. Through this narrative, readers gain insight into the enduring impact of sports idols on fans and how personal history shapes one's connection to the game.

From Gravel Courts to the Legendary Parquet Floor

In the heart of rural Indiana, during the golden era of basketball, a young boy named Court Merrigan nurtured his love for the sport inspired by the legendary Larry Bird. While Bird was leading the Boston Celtics to glory, Merrigan honed his skills on a small concrete slab surrounded by corrals and barnyard animals. His father had poured the pad in the 1960s, long before three-point lines were common, leaving Merrigan to take long shots from the gravel beyond. Each airball meant chasing after the ball through weeds or worse, retrieving it from a corral where it might end up covered in cow manure. The outdoor court also faced other hazards like goatheads—prickly vines that could puncture basketballs if not carefully managed.

The court was adjacent to the chicken coop, adding another layer of challenge as poultry freely roamed the area, occasionally depositing droppings on the playing surface. Despite these obstacles, Merrigan practiced diligently, hoping to develop skills akin to those of his hero. However, his efforts did not translate to success on the hardwood. In high school, Merrigan barely made the team, eventually being advised by his coach to focus on track instead. Years later, Merrigan finally visited the TD Garden with his son, experiencing firsthand the electrifying atmosphere that Bird once dominated. Though the famous parquet floor was no longer there, the banners celebrating Bird’s victories hung proudly in the rafters, symbolizing the lasting legacy of the Celtics' greatest player.

Merrigan’s son, more interested in modern-day NBA stars, showed little interest in the historical significance of the banners. This moment highlighted the passage of time and the evolving nature of fandom. For Merrigan, however, the visit was a poignant reminder of his childhood dreams and the enduring influence of sports legends on their admirers.

This story underscores the power of sports idols to inspire and shape the lives of their fans. It reminds us that while the game evolves, the memories and lessons learned from our heroes remain timeless. Merrigan’s journey from a farm boy practicing on a rough court to a spectator at the TD Garden illustrates the deep connections we form with the athletes who capture our imagination. Ultimately, it is a testament to the enduring spirit of basketball and the joy it brings to generations of players and fans alike.