The author of a new book examining the early life of Larry Bird will be in Vincennes this Saturday to share research that sheds new light on the basketball legend’s formative years.

Randy Mills of Ferdinand, Indiana, wrote As if by Magic: The Story of Larry Bird’s High School Basketball Days, which centers on Bird’s childhood and high school basketball career in Indiana—an era that has received far less attention than his college and professional success.

Mills’ research draws heavily on original newspaper coverage that was not easily accessible when earlier biographies were written.  Mills told First City News that with many historic newspapers now digitized, he was able to review game stories, box scores, scorebooks, and uncover rare photographs that had not been widely seen. Mills says those sources helped him build a more complete picture of Bird’s development as a player during his early years.

Mills will give a presentation on Saturday at the Knox County Public Library, where he will discuss how Bird’s early experiences in Indiana helped shape him long before he became a national basketball star.

Contact the library for more information.