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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Justin Quinn

On this day: Bird gets dually honored; Naismith publishes 1st rules

On this day in Boston Celtics history, legendary small forward Larry Bird was honored with being awarded both Man of the Year by the Sporting News and Athlete of the Year by the Associated Press in 1987.

It was the first time in history any athlete of any sport had won both awards at the same time in the same year. The honor for the Hick from French Lick (as Bird was sometimes called) happened at the apex of his prime years. It may even have been a bit of a jinx if you believe in that sort of thing.

The dual honor ended up being the first time in five seasons the Celtics did not make it to the NBA Finals in the Playoffs.

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