#56 Barry Larkin

Barry Larkin
SS
1986-2004
12 Time All Star, MVP
Baseball Hall of Fame

Hometown boy made good and played his whole career in his home city? Check. World Series champ? Check. Best shortstop in the National League for virtually his entire career? Check. 

Barry Larkin arrived in the Reds infield after spending only 177 games in the minors. He was a mainstay at short for the Reds He was first shortstop to ever hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bags in the same season.

Larkin battled injuries the second half of his career so his career totals are a little more light, but his 12 All Star teams and 3 gold gloves coupled with 9 Silver Slugger awards show he was a truly elite shorstop for his entire career.

In 1990 he lead the Reds to their first World Series title since 1976 and their last to date,. He had a career .338 postseason average and if you're into advanced metrics he checks in at 98th all time in WAR. Barry Larkin was one of the best players of the 90s and is already a little bit forgotten.

He punched his ticket to Cooperstown in 2012 and he's one of the best to ever do it.



Anthony Leonelli is a 37 year old College Baseball Coach and amateur baseball arguer. If you wanna know how this list came together check here criteria. He thinks that George Brett winning batting titles in 3 decades is pretty awesome. 

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