Episode 86: Keith O'Brien episode artwork

EPISODE · Mar 9, 2026 · 39 MIN

Episode 86: Keith O'Brien

from On The Ball with Andrew Maraniss · host Andrew Maraniss, Vanderbilt University, Sports and Society Initiative

Bestselling author Keith O’Brien joins the show to discuss his new book, “Heartland: A Forgotten Place, An Impossible Dream, and the Miracle of Larry Bird.” The book focuses on the period between 1973-79 when Bird leaves tiny French Lick, Indiana to play for Bobby Knight’s Hoosiers; departs IU after just a few weeks; nearly quits college basketball altogether; and leads underdog Indiana State to the NCAA national championship game.

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Episode 86: Keith O'Brien

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This episode is 39 minutes long.

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This episode was published on March 9, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Bestselling author Keith O’Brien joins the show to discuss his new book, “Heartland: A Forgotten Place, An Impossible Dream, and the Miracle of Larry Bird.” The book focuses on the period between 1973-79 when Bird leaves tiny French Lick, Indiana to...

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