Hail Barry Larkin

Today, former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin was voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. For me, as a lifetime Cincinnati Reds fan, he was the player for my adulthood. As child, I fondly remember Reds greats like Pete Rose or Tony Perez but as an adult I can recall the details of what made Barry Larkin great. First, Barry Larkin could field his position. Tremendous range at shortstop. Cannon arm. Second, he could run. He could steal a base. Third, Larkin could hit. Larkin could hit for average. He could hit for power. If you needed a clutch hit, he was the one to deliver it. Barry Larkin was the prototype for the modern offensive shortstop. He was one of the leaders for the 1990 World Champs. (Pictured celebrating victory at the World Series; Cincinnati Enquirer.)

It's a joyful day for Reds fans. In these recession era times, the Reds fans can celebrate a player who played everyday of his baseball career in one uniform He wore the wishbone "C." He was and will be ever known as a Cincinnati Red. And now he will be enshrined at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball.

Here's the story from the Cincinnati Reds.

Here's Barry Larkin's numbers from Baseball-Reference.com