Larkin was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the first round of the 1985 amateur draft and made his major league debut in 1986. He was a mainstay in the Reds lineup for 19 seasons, and was the team’s shortstop for most of his career. He was known for his consistent offensive production, as he had a batting average over .300 in 10 of his 19 seasons. He also had one 30-30 season (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases) in 1996.
In addition to being a great hitter, he was also a great fielder. He won three Gold Glove Awards during his career, and was known for his exceptional range and ability to make tough plays.
Larkin was also known for his leadership and respected by his teammates. He was named team captain in 1997, a role he held until his retirement in 2004. He was also active in the community, as he founded the Barry Larkin Baseball Academy to help teach and mentor children in the Cincinnati area.
Larkin is one of the most accomplished players in recent memory, and his legacy will live on through generations of Reds fans and the students at his baseball academy. His career is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and skill it takes to be a great baseball player.
⚾