Congratulations to the newest member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame; Barry Louis Larkin!!!
Larkin was a great all around player who was the true epitome of the “five tool player.” Larkin was well respected during his playing days for this all around game receiving three Gold Gloves for his superior defense and starting five All Star Games for the National League.
Off the field Larkin engendered great respect as well. In 1993 he was named the winner of the prestigious Roberto Clemente Award honoring players “who best exemplifies the game of baseball, sportsmanship, community involvement and the individual's contribution to his team.” Longtime readers know the high regard with which I view this supreme honor.
In 1990 Larkin was one of the stars of a shocking World Series upset when the Reds swept the defending champion Athletics with Larkin hitting .353 for the series. In 1995 the Reds reached the NLCS where they were swept by the eventual World Series champion Braves. Larkin did his part though with a dominant .389/.421/.611 effort against that great Atlanta pitching staff.
Larkin comes from a sporting family. Younger brother Byron was a star collegiate basketball player at Cincinnati-based Xavier University.
Larkin becomes the first player in three years (Jim Rice) and 36th overall to enter the Hall after playing his entire career for just a single franchise. He joins fellow Reds Bid McPhee and Johnny Bench in this group.
Congratulations to Barry Larkin and his many fans!!!
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