Reds welcome newest Hall of Famer home
Share This Story
CINCINNATI (AP)
Spending his entire 19-year career with his hometown team makes election to the Hall of Fame even more special for Barry Larkin.
Speaking Wednesday at Great American Ball Park, his home field for the last two years of his career, Larkin recalled almost leaving the Reds for the New York Mets in 2000. But the proposed trade fell through when the Mets refused to give him a three-year contract extension.
Larkin considered playing for St. Louis and Washington in 2005 but couldn't leave.
''I didn't feel like I could give my heart and soul to another organization,'' Larkin said.
Members of the Reds' organization, former players and politicians were on hand to welcome the franchise's newest Hall of Famer. Cincinnati Mayor Mark Mallory presented Larkin with a copy of resolution congratulating him that was approved Wednesday by the city council. Hamilton County Commissioner Greg Hartmann added praise.
''At a time when role models are few and far between, Barry Larkin stepped up for 19 years'' Hartmann said.
Sharing the stage with Larkin was what Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman described as the ''first family of Cincinnati'' - Larkin's wife Lisa, parents Shirley and Robert and two of his three brothers, Stephen and Byron.
Also on hand were Larkin's coaches at Moeller High School - which also produced major leaguers such as Ken Griffey Jr. and Buddy Bell - and the scout who signed him. They were all part of a large support group Larkin credits with his success. He plans an event sometime during the season.
''We're still setting up how we want to celebrate this induction with the city,'' Larkin said. ''I'm really looking forward to that day. I've been incredibly blessed, and I want to celebrate that.''
The Reds also plan to honor Larkin with a special night during the season, and the team's Hall of Fame and Museum is putting together an exhibit. Larkin also said he anticipates that his uniform number 11 will be officially retired. Nobody has worn the number since Larkin's last season in 2004.
''I'm sure they'll get around to it at some point,'' he said.
Wednesday's visit extended what Larkin said had been an ''absolute blur'' since he was elected Monday by the Baseball Writers' Association of America.
Related Stories
Trending Now
-
Report: UFC Octagon vixen arrested
Report: UFC Octagon vixen Arianny Celeste arrested. -
Dario Franchitti wins 2012 Indy 500
Dario Franchitti holds off late charge, wins third Indy 500. -
Report: Vick event sparks backlash
A seemingly innocuous visit from Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick caused ... -
Franchitti wins Indy 500
Review all the details from this year's big race. -
Two killed as rally car strikes crowd
A race car went out of control on a rural Irish road and crashed into a crowd of abou...
MLB Videos
Dodgers drop Astros
Posted: May 27, 2012
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Matt Treanor talks with Prime Ticket about Chris Capuano's performance leading t...
Rays rock Red Sox
Posted: May 27, 2012
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Sean Rodriguez talks after his game-winning HR in the Rays' 4-3 win in Boston.
Tigers top Twins
Posted: May 27, 2012
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
Miguel Cabrera talks with FOX Sports Detroit after the Tigers' 4-3 win over the ...
MLB Headlines
More Than Sports on MSN
Fox Sports Store
| itemName | itemURL | imageSrc | price | itemDescription |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Chicago_Cubs/browse/featuredproduct/250780/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_250000/FF_250780_xl.jpg&w=100 | 49.95 | Nike Chicago Cubs Tackle Twill Hoodie Sweatshirt - Royal Blue |
| Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Boston_Red_Sox/browse/featuredproduct/605356/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605356_xl.jpg&w=100 | 19.95 | Nike Boston Red Sox Ladies Red Local T-shirt |
| New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_New_York_Yankees/browse/featuredproduct/605557/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_605000/ff_605557_xl.jpg&w=100 | 16.95 | New Era New York Yankees Youth Navy Blue Tie Breaker 39THIRTY Stretch Fit Hat |
| Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Oakland_Athletics/browse/featuredproduct/606322/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_606000/ff_606322_xl.jpg&w=100 | 27.95 | Nike Oakland Athletics Green MLB Practice T-shirt |
| Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Philadelphia_Phillies/browse/featuredproduct/626447/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_626000/ff_626447_xl.jpg&w=100 | 29.95 | Philadelphia Phillies Mascot Pillow Pet |
| New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Colorado_Rockies/browse/featuredproduct/644117/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_644000/ff_644117_xl.jpg&w=100 | 28.95 | New Era Colorado Rockies Black-Purple Stoked Snapback Hat |
| Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Texas_Rangers/browse/featuredproduct/722692/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_722000/ff_722692_xl.jpg&w=100 | 69.95 | Texas Rangers Manager Stainless Steel Watch |
| Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoodie Sweatshirt | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Detroit_Tigers/browse/featuredproduct/723016/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_723000/ff_723016_xl.jpg&w=100 | 39.95 | Majestic Justin Verlander Detroit Tigers #35 Youth Navy Blue Player Pullover Hoo.. |
| Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White | http://www.foxsportsshop.com/FOX_Los_Angeles_Angels_of_Anaheim/browse/featuredproduct/777026/source/prsp_ca | http://images.footballfanatics.com/FFImage/thumb.aspx?i=/productImages/_777000/ff_777026_xl.jpg&w=100 | 99.95 | Majestic Albert Pujols Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Replica Jersey - White |
Member Comments
Please note by clicking on "add a comment" you acknowledge that you have read the Terms of Use and the comment you are posting is in compliance with such terms. Be polite. Inappropriate posts may be removed by the moderator.