Larkin, others inducted to Reds HOF
Lovelorn Reds fans at Great American Ball Park were thrilled to have Barry Larkin back, if only for the night.
The former Reds shortstop was enshrined Saturday in the Reds Hall of Fame, along with outfielder Cesar Geronimo, right-handed pitcher Joey Jay, and late Reds executive Garry Herrmann.
Fans' respect for Larkin was apparent in the whistles and cheers that interrupted Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman's introduction. After watching the 44-year-old's playing highlights on the video board, the capacity crowd stood. Applause thundered.
"What they didn't tell you is that it took 6,000 at-bats for me to get that grand slam," Larkin said of the video clips.
It was an emotional night for Larkin, who gave a heartfelt speech punctuated by tears and laughter. His litany of thank-yous included his family, Washington Nationals general manager Jim Bowden, former Reds owner Marge Schott and senior clubhouse and equipment manager Bernie Stowe. Larkin, a special assistant to Bowden in D.C. after 19 seasons as a player here, said before the ceremony that his return was both "bitter and sweet."
"The hardest thing I had to do was leave, knowing that I wasn't coming back," Larkin said. "I never envisioned leaving Cincinnati at all, at any point in my career. That wasn't part of the script. Growing up and playing here was about being here and being able to focus all my energies here." Added Larkin: "And unfortunately, we've had a hiccup for the last few years."
In the pregame press conference, Larkin was asked if he had put more thought lately into returning to the Reds. "Oh, there's been plenty of thought about coming back to the Reds. Just the opportunity hasn't presented itself yet. I've been working with the Nationals for the last three years and my contract is up at the end of the year. So I'll be a free agent," Larkin said, smiling.
The press conference showcased 14 other Reds Hall of Famers: Jack Billingham, Johnny Bench, Tom Browning, Leo Cardenas, David Concepcion, Eric Davis, Wayne Granger, Tommy Helms, Jerry Lynch, Lee May, Gary Nolan, Jim O'Toole, Tony Perez and Mario Soto. A reporter asked Concepcion what potential he saw in Larkin back in the day, which dissolved into a story about Larkin's first exchange with Concepcion.
Larkin met Concepcion at Tiger Stadium when Larkin attended the University of Michigan. Other players teased Concepcion that he better watch out for Larkin, that he was going to take Concepcion's job. "Davey walked over to me, looked at me, looked in my eyes, and said, 'Let me see your hands.' I showed him my hands and he said, 'Nah. You can't play shortstop,' " Larkin said, drawing laughter. Larkin ranks second or third in almost every statistical category in franchise history. In 2,180 appearances from 1986-2004, he hit .295 with 198 home runs, 960 RBI and 379 stolen bases.
Now he spends most of his time with his family: wife Lisa and kids Brielle, DeShane and Cymber. Brielle is a senior, DeShane is heavily involved in AAU basketball, and Cymber is "11 going on 23," Larkin said, laughing.
Larkin was asked if he'd ever consider managing a team. He said he "didn't know what the possibilities could be" but added that family commitments are his priority.
Larkin said he planned to track down some of his old buddies - Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. - in the clubhouse before Saturday's game. He came to Cincinnati over the All-Star break for a basketball tournament and didn't have a chance to see them.
Of course, he wouldn't mind something a little more permanent in his hometown. "Like I said, we'll see what happens and hopefully we'll get an opportunity possibly to come here," Larkin said.
Cincinnati Enquirer