This Day in History: , Larry Bird Retires .br August 18, 1992.br Having struggled with back issues for years, br the 35-year-old legend announced his retirement br in an emotional press conference in Boston.br The Hall of Famer began br his NBA career in 1979, br joining the Boston Celtics.br His impact that year led the Celtics to 61-21 record, after the team finished in last place the previous year. .br Along with Robert Parrish br and Kevin McHale, Bird br would lead the Celtics to br domination of the 1980s.br The team won NBA championships br in 1980, 1984 and 1986, with Bird as br NBA MVP three years in a row from 1984-1986.br After his retirement, Bird went br on to coach the Indiana Pacers, br leading the team to their best br record season ever in 1998. .