Barry Larkin Is Going Into the Hall Of Fame!

I grew up (and still am) a diehard Cincinnati Reds fan. Without question, my favorite player of all time is Eric Davis. My second just got the nod to go to Cooperstown. Barry Larkin. You can make the case that he was the best shortstop in the history of the franchise, one that is the oldest in the sport. He didn't do any one thing great...he was just really good at everything.

1990 World Series Champ (he batted .353 in a four game sweep of the A's), 1995 MVP, 12 time All Star and a lifer for the Reds having coming up to the big leagues in 1986 until his retirement in 2004. He could go to the opposite field when need be, hit for power and field his position with the best of them. Had he not played at the same time as some Ozzie Smith guy, he would have had a lot more Gold Gloves (he won the award 3 times) and was a 9 time winner of the Silver Slugger Award.  My man got the call today (the only one that did) and will be entering the hallowed Cooperstown halls later this year.

Congrats Barry...you are most deserving.

The announcement:

His reaction:

My two favorites off all-time!

His career: