View source for Barry Larkin

{{short description|American baseball player (born 1964)}}
{{About|the baseball player|the Olympic hoaxer|Barry Larkin (Olympics)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2017}}
{{Infobox baseball biography
|name=Barry Larkin
|image=Barry Larkin by Gage Skidmore.jpg
|caption=Larkin in 2017
|position=[[Shortstop]]
|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1964|4|28}}
|birth_place=[[Cincinnati]], Ohio, U.S.
|bats=Right
|throws=Right
|debutleague = MLB
|debutdate=August 13
|debutyear=1986
|debutteam=Cincinnati Reds
|finalleague = MLB
|finaldate=October 3
|finalyear=2004
|finalteam=Cincinnati Reds
|statleague = MLB
|stat1label=[[Batting average (baseball)|Batting average]]
|stat1value=.295
|stat2label=[[Hit (baseball)|Hits]]
|stat2value=2,340
|stat3label=[[Home run]]s
|stat3value=198
|stat4label=[[Run batted in|Runs batted in]]
|stat4value=960
|stat5label=[[Stolen base]]s
|stat5value=379
|teams=
* [[Cincinnati Reds]] ({{mlby|1986}}–{{mlby|2004}})
|highlights=
* 12× [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star]] ([[1988 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1988]]–[[1991 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1991]], [[1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1993]]–[[1997 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1997]], [[1999 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|1999]], [[2000 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2000]], [[2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game|2004]])
* [[World Series champion]] ({{wsy|1990}})
* [[NL MVP]] (1995)
* 3× [[Gold Glove Award]] (1994–1996)
* 9× [[Silver Slugger Award]] (1988–1992, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999)
* [[Roberto Clemente Award]] (1993)
* [[Cincinnati Reds#Barry Larkin|Cincinnati Reds No. 11]] retired
* [[Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame]]
|hoflink = National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum
|hoftype = National
| hofdate     = [[2012 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2012]]
| hofvote     = 86.4% (third ballot)
|medaltemplates=
{{MedalSport|Men's [[baseball]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{bb|USA}}}}
{{MedalCompetition | [[Baseball at the Summer Olympics|Olympics]]}}
{{MedalSilver | [[Baseball at the 1984 Summer Olympics|1984 Los Angeles]] | [[United States national baseball team|Team]]}}
}}

'''Barry Louis Larkin''' (born April 28, 1964) is an American former professional [[baseball]] [[shortstop]]. As a player he spent his entire 19-year [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) career with the [[Cincinnati Reds]] from 1986 to 2004.

He briefly played in the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 1986. He quickly won the starting shortstop role for the Reds and enjoyed a long run of strong seasons with the team. Larkin struggled with a string of injuries between 1997 and 2003, limiting his playing time in several seasons.

Larkin retired after the 2004 season and worked in a front-office position for the [[Washington Nationals]] for several years until he joined [[ESPN]] as a baseball analyst. He served as a coach for the American team in the [[2009 World Baseball Classic]] and managed the Brazilian national team for the same event in 2013.

Larkin is considered one of the top players of his era, winning nine [[Silver Slugger Award|Silver Slugger awards]], three [[Gold Glove Award|Gold Glove awards]], and the 1995 [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|National League Most Valuable Player Award]]. He was selected to the [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|Major League All-Star Game]] twelve times, and was one of the pivotal players on the 1990 Reds' [[1990 World Series|World Series]] championship team.<ref name=BR>{{cite web | title=Barry Larkin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More | website=Baseball-Reference.com | date=June 13, 2023 | url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larkiba01.shtml | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230613054227/https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larkiba01.shtml | archive-date=June 13, 2023 | url-status=live | access-date=July 26, 2023}}</ref> In [[2012 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2012]], Larkin was elected to the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|National Baseball Hall of Fame]].<ref name=LarkinsInEasily>{{cite news|title=Larkin's In Easily|date=January 10, 2012|agency=Associated Press|work=Philly.com|url=http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/phillies/20120110_LARKIN_S_IN_EASILY.html|access-date=January 10, 2012|quote=A two-sport standout in his senior year of high school, Larkin went to the University of Michigan on a scholarship to play defensive back for Schembechler's Wolverines. When he arrived in Ann Arbor, Larkin learned he was being redshirted.}}</ref>

==Early life and amateur career==
Born and raised in the [[Cincinnati]] suburb of [[Silverton, Ohio]], and raised [[Catholic Church|Catholic]], Larkin attended [[Archbishop Moeller High School]].<ref name=BR /> 

Larkin accepted a football scholarship to the [[University of Michigan]] to play for coach [[Bo Schembechler]], but during his freshman year, he decided to play baseball exclusively. He was a two-time All-American and led the Wolverines to berths in two [[College World Series]], in 1983 and 1984, the program's last until 2019. Larkin was also named [[Big Ten]] Player of the Year in 1984 and 1985.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |last=Nesbitt |first=Stephen J. |date=January 9, 2012 |title=Michigan alum Barry Larkin voted into Baseball Hall of Fame |url=https://www.michigandaily.com/sports/michigan-alum-barry-larkin-voted-baseball-hall-fame |access-date=May 13, 2015 |publisher=[[Michigan Daily]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ford |first=Ryan |date=June 22, 2019 |title=Michigan baseball's history at the College World Series |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2019-06-22/michigan-baseballs-history-college-world-series |access-date=2025-08-20 |website= |publisher=Detroit Free Press |via=NCAA.com}}</ref> Larkin's number 16 was retired by the school on May 1, 2010.<ref name="LarkinsInEasily" /> 

Larkin played for the [[United States national baseball team|United States national team]] at the [[Baseball at the 1984 Summer Olympics|1984 Summer Olympics]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Barry Larkin |url=https://www.olympics.com/en/athletes/barry-larkin |website=Olympics.com}}</ref>

==Minor league career==
Barry Larkin played with the [[Vermont Reds]] on their team that won the 1985 [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] Championship and in 1986 was the Rookie of the Year and Triple-A Player of the Year with the [[Denver Zephyrs]].<ref name="biodictionary">{{cite book|title=Biographical Dictionary of American Sports|pages=851–2|isbn=0-313-31175-7|first=David L.|last=Porter|year=2000|publisher=Greenwood Publishing Group}}</ref> In all, he played only 177 minor league games in his professional career.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hill |first=Benjamin |url=http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120111&content_id=26317382&fext=.jsp&vkey=news_milb |title=Hall-bound Larkin sped through Minors &#124; MiLB.com News &#124; The Official Site of Minor League Baseball |publisher=Minorleaguebaseball.com |date=August 13, 1986 |access-date=May 13, 2015}}</ref>

==MLB career==
===1986–1996===
[[File:Barry Larkin playing for Cincinnati in Riverfront Stadium in 1990.jpg|thumb|left|Larkin playing in Riverfront Stadium in 1990]]
After arriving in the majors, Larkin battled fellow prospect [[Kurt Stillwell]] for the starting shortstop spot before establishing himself as the starter in 1987. In 1988, Larkin led all major leaguers by striking out only 24 times in 588 at-bats.<ref name="biodictionary" /> Larkin batted .353 in the [[1990 World Series]] to help lead the Reds to a four-game sweep of the [[Oakland Athletics]].<ref name="biodictionary" /> On June 27–28, 1991, Larkin became the first shortstop ever to hit five home runs over two consecutive games. He earned his fourth consecutive [[Major League Baseball All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] selection that season.<ref name=BR/>

After the 1991 season, Larkin questioned the Reds' commitment to winning. He said he was likely to leave the team when his contract expired the next year, but he was encouraged when the Reds acquired pitchers [[Tim Belcher]] and [[Greg Swindell]] in the offseason. In January 1992, the Reds signed him to a five-year, $25.6 million contract. At that time, only four players had larger contracts and Larkin was the highest-paid shortstop.<ref name="Club">{{cite news |date=January 20, 1992 |title=Larkin joins $5 Million-a-year Club |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/20/larkin-joins-5-million-a-year-club/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250820125750/https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/01/20/larkin-joins-5-million-a-year-club/ |archive-date=August 20, 2025 |access-date=April 6, 2014 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]}}</ref> Larkin was not selected as an All-Star in 1992, but he won his fifth consecutive [[Silver Slugger Award]].<ref name=BR/> In 1993, he won the [[Roberto Clemente Award]],<ref name="biodictionary" /> which recognizes players who display sportsmanship, community service and on-field ability.<ref name=Arroyo>{{cite web|last=Warnemuende|first=Jeremy|title=Arroyo named Reds' Clemente Award nominee|url=http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130916&content_id=60781084&vkey=news_cin&c_id=cin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201173132/http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130916&content_id=60781084&vkey=news_cin&c_id=cin|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 1, 2014|work=[[MLB.com]]|access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> In 1995, Larkin finished sixth in batting (.319) and second in stolen bases (51) to win the National League's [[Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award|MVP]] award, the first by a shortstop since [[Maury Wills]] in 1962. He led the Reds to the [[National League Central]] division title and the [[1995 National League Championship Series|National League Championship Series]], where he batted .389 during the series loss to the [[1995 World Series|eventual champion]] [[Atlanta Braves]].<ref name="biodictionary" />

In 1996, Larkin hit a career-high 33 home runs and stole 36 bases, becoming the first shortstop in Major League history to join the [[30–30 club]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garrett |first=J.P. |title=Barry Larkin |url=https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/barry-larkin/ |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=[[Society for American Baseball Research]]}}</ref> He arguably had a better season in 1996 than he had in his MVP year of 1995, as his [[on-base percentage]] and [[slugging percentage]] were both improved.

=== 1997–2000 ===
Larkin was named the Reds' captain before the 1997 season, making him the first player to hold the honor since [[Dave Concepción]]'s retirement. Beginning that season, Larkin suffered a series of injuries throughout the last few years of his career. He missed 55 games that year due to injuries to his calf and Achilles tendon.<ref name=Tribune>{{cite news|title=Reds get Larkin back while Morris gets set for surgery|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1997/08/03/reds-get-larkin-back-while-morris-gets-set-for-surgery/|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=August 3, 1997}}</ref> About three weeks before the opening of the 1998 season, Larkin decided to undergo neck surgery for a perforated disk. He was not in severe pain, but he was unable to lift his arm enough to play defense.<ref name=SR>{{cite news|title=Larkin goes out again, facing neck surgery|url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/1998/mar/12/larkin-goes-out-again-facing-neck-surgery/|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[The Spokesman-Review]]|date=March 12, 1998}}</ref>

On September 27, 1998, Barry, his brother [[Stephen Larkin]], second baseman [[Bret Boone]], and third baseman [[Aaron Boone]] all played the infield at the same time for the last game of the 1998 season, making it the first time in MLB history that an infield was composed entirely of two pairs of brothers.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/september-27-1998-larkins-and-boones-make-it-a-family-affair-for-cincinnati-reds/ | title=September 27, 1998: Larkins and Boones make it a family affair for Cincinnati Reds – Society for American Baseball Research }}</ref> In 1999, Larkin was nearly traded to the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]]. He later said that he was approached by a Los Angeles clubhouse attendant, who gave him a Dodgers jersey with his name on it. The jersey had been prepared as trade negotiations advanced so that the teams could be prepared for a press conference about the trade.<ref name=Almost>{{cite news|last=Hiserman|first=Mike|title=Barry Larkin, once almost a Dodger, and Ron Santo to enter Hall|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2012-jul-21-la-sp-0722-larkin-hall-of-fame-20120722-story.html|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=July 21, 2012}}</ref> Also in 1999, Larkin served as a pre-game analyst for [[Major League Baseball on NBC|NBC]]'s coverage of the [[1999 World Series|World Series]] alongside host [[Hannah Storm]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2025}}

In July 2000, Larkin blocked a trade to the [[New York Mets]] to remain with the Reds. The trade would have sent three players, top minor league outfielder [[Alex Escobar]], pitcher [[Eric Cammack]] and pitcher Jason Saenz, from the Mets to the Reds in exchange for Larkin. Larkin said that he would have gone to New York, as he enjoyed playing there, but the Mets did not want to sign him to a multi-year contract. The Reds signed him to a three-year contract extension worth $27 million.<ref name=Kepner>{{cite news|last=Kepner|first=Tyler|title=Bats: Longtime Reds star who nearly was a Met|url=http://bats.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/longtime-reds-star-who-nearly-was-a-met/|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[The New York Times]]|date=August 6, 2011}}</ref> In the 2000 season, Larkin missed 59 games after he injured his finger twice and he suffered a knee sprain.<ref name=CNNSI>{{cite web|title=Short staffed: Reds concerned about Larkin's groin injury|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/2001/spring_training/news/2001/03/12/larkin_injury_ap/|publisher=[[CNNSI.com]]|access-date=April 5, 2014|date=March 12, 2001|archive-date=April 7, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407093854/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/baseball/mlb/2001/spring_training/news/2001/03/12/larkin_injury_ap/|url-status=dead}}</ref> He underwent finger surgery in April and knee surgery in September.<ref name=Hurt>{{cite web|title=Larkin, Griffey hurt; Reds fall to Dodgers|url=http://articles.philly.com/2000-04-22/sports/25590497_1_reds-fall-finger-ligament-ken-griffey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140407102220/http://articles.philly.com/2000-04-22/sports/25590497_1_reds-fall-finger-ligament-ken-griffey|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 7, 2014|publisher=[[Philly.com]]|access-date=April 5, 2014|date=April 22, 2000}}</ref><ref name=APNA>{{cite news|title=Reds Larkin has knee surgery|url=https://apnews.com/b77d5abbd670d7f48c693c12266c8b73|work=Associated Press News|access-date=April 5, 2014|date=September 8, 2000}}</ref>

=== 2001–2004 ===
[[File:Baseball_barry_larkin_2004.jpg|right|upright|thumb|Larkin in 2004]]
Larkin struggled with a groin injury in 2001, prompting criticism of his play. Broadcaster [[Joe Nuxhall]] said on air that Larkin had "lost it".<ref name=Kay>{{cite news|last=Kay|first=Joe|title=Hernia surgery ends tough season for Barry Larkin|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1817&dat=20010807&id=Ck4gAAAAIBAJ&pg=5287,1466635|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[The Tuscaloosa News]]|date=August 7, 2001}}</ref> By August, the injury had limited Larkin to 45 games. He underwent season-ending surgery for a hernia that had been diagnosed during an evaluation of the groin injury.<ref name=Kay/> During the 2002 season, Larkin played in 145 games but hit for the lowest batting average (.245) since his first full year in the major leagues. Though he did not miss many games, Larkin dealt with injuries to his rib cage, hamstring, shoulder, neck and toe.<ref name=EI>{{cite news|last=Kay|first=Joe|title=Reds' Barry Larkin goes back on DL|url=http://www.theintelligencer.com/archives/article_9e3b0035-12c1-5563-90b7-923f88810ae0.html|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[Edwardsville Intelligencer]]|date=May 22, 2003}}</ref>

In 2003, Larkin had spent two stints on the disabled list with calf injuries by late May.<ref name=EI/> During strained contract negotiations with Reds chief operating officer John Allen in late 2003, Larkin almost left the team. Larkin and the Reds agreed to a one-year contract for 2004. Larkin called off a planned retirement ceremony scheduled for October 2, 2004, because he was not sure if he would retire. In that season, Larkin hit for a .289 [[batting average (baseball)|batting average]] in his final season. He announced his retirement in February 2005.<ref name=USA>{{cite news|title=Barry Larkin retires from Reds|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/reds/2005-02-13-larkin-retirement_x.htm|access-date=April 5, 2014|newspaper=[[USA Today]]|date=February 13, 2005}}</ref>

Commenting on Larkin's retirement after such a strong season, sports columnist [[Terence Moore]] drew a comparison to the retirement of [[Ted Williams]]. He wrote, "Barry Larkin wasn't quite Williams at the end, but he was in the vicinity when it comes to the big picture... After years of injuries, he showed what a healthy Larkin still could do, but he also showed that he preferred to leave the game more like Williams than just about anybody else you can name in baseball history."<ref name=Moore>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Terence|title=Will Jeter follow Larkin's path to retirement?|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130913&content_id=60471028&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb|work=[[MLB.com]]|date=September 13, 2013 |access-date=September 18, 2013}}</ref> In his 19-year career with Cincinnati, Larkin hit .295 with 2,340 [[Hit (baseball)|hits]], 198 home runs, 960 [[Run batted in|RBI]], 1,329 [[Run (baseball)|runs scored]], and 379 stolen bases. Baseball writer [[Bill James]] has called Larkin one of the greatest shortstops of all time, ranking him #6 all time in his ''[[New Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract]]''. Despite missing significant playing time in six seasons,<ref>{{cite book|title=The Baseball Same Game: Finding Comparable Players from the National Pastime|author=Lombardi, Stephen M.|year=2005|page=181|publisher=iUniverse |isbn=0-595-35457-2}}</ref> Larkin won the [[Gold Glove Award]] three times (1994–1996) and was a 12-time All-Star (1988–1991, 1993–1997, 1999, 2000, and 2004).<ref name="biodictionary" /> He became the first major league shortstop to join the [[30–30 club]] when he had 33 [[home run]]s and 36 [[stolen base]]s in 1996.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.wwno.org/2012-01-09/career-long-reds-shortstop-barry-larkin-elected-to-cooperstown | title=Career-Long Reds Shortstop Barry Larkin Elected to Cooperstown | date=January 9, 2012 }}</ref>

==Post-retirement==
{{MLBBioRet
|Image  = CincinnatiReds11.png
|Name   = Barry Larkin
|Number = 11
|Team   = Cincinnati Reds
|Year   = 2012
|}}
After his retirement, Larkin was hired as a special assistant to the general manager in the [[Washington Nationals]] organization. With the Nationals, he worked under former Reds general manager [[Jim Bowden (baseball)|Jim Bowden]]. Larkin had hoped to work for the Reds, but ''[[USA Today]]'' reported that his 2003 contract disagreement with Allen eliminated that opportunity.<ref name=USA/> In 2008, he signed with the [[MLB Network]] as a studio analyst.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20081223&content_id=3726537&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb |title=MLB Network adds Barry Larkin to on-air talent lineup |access-date=December 25, 2008 |date=December 23, 2008 |work=MLB.com}}</ref>

He was the [[bench coach]] for the United States at the 2009 [[World Baseball Classic]] and managed the United States' second-round game against [[Puerto Rico]] when U.S. manager [[Davey Johnson]] left to attend his stepson's wedding.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/more/03/13/larkin.wbc.ap/index.html Barry Larkin to Manage US Team] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104184433/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/baseball/more/03/13/larkin.wbc.ap/index.html |date=November 4, 2012 }} SI.com, March 13, 2009</ref> On July 20, 2008, he was inducted into the [[Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame and Museum]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Reds hail HOF inductees|url=http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/SPT04/807200417|work=[[The Cincinnati Enquirer]]|date=July 20, 2008|author=Russel, Shannon|archive-date=February 24, 2012|access-date=July 20, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224073022/http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080720/SPT04/807200417|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2009, he was inducted into the [[National College Baseball Hall of Fame]].<ref name=":0" />

[[File:Barry Larkin 2013.jpg|thumb|Larkin at the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame induction parade]]
In 2011, Larkin left Washington for [[ESPN Major League Baseball|ESPN]] to serve as a ''[[Baseball Tonight (MLB)|Baseball Tonight]]'' analyst.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.timesunion.com/sportsmedia/larkin-joins-espn-as-baseball-studio-analyst/6147/|title=Larkin joins ESPN as baseball studio analyst|last=Dougherty|first=Pete|publisher=Albany Times Union|date=February 15, 2011|access-date=February 17, 2011}}</ref> 

In 2012, Larkin was voted into the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Hall of Fame]] with 86.4% of the vote. He was the eighth Reds player and 24th shortstop inducted to the Hall of Fame. On August 25, 2012, his number 11 was retired in an official ceremony at [[Great American Ball Park]].<ref>[https://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/nl/reds/story/2012-08-07/Barry-Larkin-retire-jersey/56862712/1 "Reds to honor Barry Larkin, retire No. 11 jersey"], [[Associated Press]]. ''[[USA Today]]''. August 7, 2012. Retrieved August 25, 2012.</ref> In [[2010 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting|2010]], his first year of eligibility for the [[National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum|Hall of Fame]], Larkin had received 51.6% of the vote<ref>{{cite web |url=http://community.baseballhall.org/page.aspx?pid=569 |title=BBWAA Elects "Hawk" to the Hall of Fame |access-date=January 8, 2011 |archive-date=January 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100108170003/http://community.baseballhall.org/Page.aspx?pid=569 |url-status=dead }}</ref> (75 percent is needed for election). In 2011, he received 62.1% of the vote,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20110105/SPT04/301050054/ |title=Barry Larkin falls short of Hall of Fame voting |access-date=January 8, 2011}}</ref> the highest of non-inducted players and third overall.

He was invited by the Brazilian Baseball Federation to manage [[Brazil national baseball team|their national team]] in the [[2013 World Baseball Classic qualification|qualifiers for the 2013 World Baseball Classic]]. Brazil beat host country [[Panama national baseball team|Panama]] in Brazil's first time to qualify for the event. Larkin said Brazil was originally scheduled to play in Puerto Rico, but because of the huge Japanese baseball influence in Brazil, they played in Japan. The team played [[Cuba national baseball team|Cuba]] and [[China national baseball team|China]] besides the home country.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2012-09-19 |title=Larkin hired by Brazil to manage WBC team |url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/8397367/barry-larkin-hired-brazil-manager-world-baseball-classic |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bloom |first=Barry M. |date=January 25, 2013 |title=Larkin excited about managing Brazil in Classic |url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130125&content_id=41160356&c_id=mlb |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131023102415/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130125&content_id=41160356&c_id=mlb |archive-date=2013-10-23 |website=[[MLB.com]]}}</ref> The team went winless in its WBC debut and was eliminated after the first round.

In November 2013, [[Detroit Tigers]] general manager [[Dave Dombrowski]] confirmed that the organization had intended to interview Larkin for its open managerial position. Larkin declined the interview due to the time commitment associated with the job. [[Brad Ausmus]] was named the new Tigers manager on November 3, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|last=Iott|first=Chris|title=Detroit Tigers introduce Brad Ausmus as new manager: 'I understand that I'm very fortunate'|url=http://www.mlive.com/tigers/index.ssf/2013/11/detroit_tigers_introduce_brad.html|work=MLive|date=November 3, 2013|access-date=November 3, 2013}}</ref>

In November 2014, the ''[[Tampa Bay Times]]'' reported that Larkin was among 10 candidates interviewed for the Tampa Bay Rays' managerial job.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Topkin|first1=Marc|title=Rays add Barry Larkin, Doug Glanville to manager's search|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/rays-add-barry-larkin-doug-glanville-to-managers-search/2205973/|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=November 12, 2014|date=November 10, 2014}}</ref> Larkin was not among the team's three finalists, and the job ultimately went to [[Kevin Cash]].<ref>{{cite web|last1=Topkin|first1=Marc|title=Tampa Bay Rays name Kevin Cash manager|url=https://www.tampabay.com/sports/baseball/rays/tampa-bay-rays-to-name-kevin-cash-manager/2209119/|website=Tampa Bay Times|access-date=December 11, 2014|date=December 5, 2014}}</ref>
Larkin joined the Cincinnati Reds as a minor-league roving infield instructor in May 2015.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Sheldon|first1=Mark|title=Reds hire Larkin as Minor League instructor|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/reds-hire-hall-of-famer-barry-larkin-as-minor-league-roving-infield-instructor/c-123150322|website=MLB.com|publisher=MLB Advanced Media|access-date=March 17, 2016}}</ref> He helped out the big-league club during spring training 2016. When asked whether he hoped to manage in the future, he said, "Never say never. The conditions have to be right and, you know, the manager's job, at least in my opinion, is not about just having the manager's position. It's about having the support system to support that manager's position."<ref name=Danneman>{{cite web|last1=Danneman|first1=Joe|title=Barry Larkin on managing: 'Never say never'|url=http://www.fox19.com/story/31320785/barry-larkin-on-managing-never-say-never|website=Fox19|date=February 26, 2016 |publisher=Frankly Media and WXIX|access-date=March 17, 2016}}https://www.mlb.com/news/barry-larkin-joining-reds-tv-broadcast-crew</ref>

In September 2016, Larkin managed Brazil at the [[2017 World Baseball Classic qualification]], where the team failed to qualify for the [[2017 World Baseball Classic|final tournament]] after losing to [[Great Britain national baseball team|Great Britain]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Barry M.|last=Bloom|title=Larkin's Brazil squad ready for Brooklyn qualifier|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/barry-larkin-brazil-ready-for-wbc-qualifier-c202332786|website=MLB.com|date=September 20, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Thomas|last=Neumann|title=Barry Larkin has ambitious plans to grow baseball in Brazil|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/17617500/hall-famer-barry-larkin-ambitious-plans-grow-baseball-brazil|website=ESPN|date=September 23, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|first=Lindsay|last=Berra|title=Great Britain moves to qualifier final vs. Israel|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/great-britain-advances-to-wbc-qualifier-final-c203151312|website=MLB.com|date=September 24, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2025}}</ref>

On February 16, 2021, it was announced that Larkin joined the Reds' television broadcast team on [[Bally Sports Ohio|Fox Sports Ohio]].<ref>{{cite web|first=Mark|last=Sheldon|title=Larkin joining Reds' TV broadcast crew|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/barry-larkin-joining-reds-tv-broadcast-crew|website=MLB.com|date=February 16, 2021|access-date=May 4, 2021}}</ref>

In July 2022, Larkin became an executive partner of the newly formed United International Baseball League, the first professional baseball league in the Middle East and South Asia;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2022/07/25/mariano-rivera-hopes-to-revolutionize-baseball-with-first-professional-league-serving-india-pakistan-and-the-middle-east/|title=Mariano Rivera hopes to revolutionize baseball with first professional league serving India, Pakistan and the Middle East
|website=[[Chicago Tribune]]|first=Peter|last=Sblendorio|date=July 26, 2022|access-date=April 12, 2025}}</ref> in November, it was announced that the league had been renamed [[Baseball United]] and that he had joined its ownership group.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/united-international-baseball-league-uibl-announces-name-change-to-baseball-united-in-conjunction-with-change-in-ownership-301664783.html|title=United International Baseball League (UIBL) Announces Name Change to Baseball United in Conjunction with Change in Ownership|publisher=[[Baseball United]]|agency=[[PR Newswire]]|date=November 1, 2022|access-date=April 11, 2025}}</ref>

On January 29, 2025, it was announced that Larkin would join the effort to bring Major League Baseball to [[Orlando, Florida]] as the MLB Ambassador for the Orlando Dreamers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-01-29 |title=Cincinnati Reds Legend and Baseball Hall-of-Famer Joins Orlando Dreamers as MLB Ambassador |url=https://orlandodreamers.com/blogs/orlando-dreamers-announces-the-completion-of-economic-and-fiscal-impact-study-for-new-mlb-stadium-in-orange-county/cincinnati-reds-legend-and-baseball-hall-of-famer-joins-orlando-dreamers-as-mlb-ambassador |access-date=2025-02-18 |website=Orlando Dreamers |language=en}}</ref>

== Sports diplomacy ==
Larkin has also been an active participant in the [[SportsUnited]] Sports Envoy program for the [[Department of State|U.S. Department of State]]. In this function, he has traveled to Colombia, Ecuador, India, Lithuania, Taiwan, where he worked with to conduct baseball clinics and events that reached more than 2,200 youth from underserved areas. In so doing, Larkin helped contribute to SportsUnited's mission to reach out to youth populations in order to promote growth and a stable democratic government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://eca.state.gov/highlight/strong-finish-us-department-states-first-ever-baseball-softball-envoy-program/article-photo-gallery|title=A Strong Finish for U.S. Department of State's First Ever Baseball-Softball Envoy Program - Photo Gallery|website=eca.state.gov|access-date=June 3, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160602195038/https://www.eca.state.gov/highlight/strong-finish-us-department-states-first-ever-baseball-softball-envoy-program/article-photo-gallery|archive-date=June 2, 2016|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.littleleague.org/Page57262.aspx|title=Former Major Leaguer Barry Larkin Visits Falcon Little League, Gives Clinic during Trip to Colombia|website=www.littleleague.org|access-date=June 3, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161005044013/http://www.littleleague.org/Page57262.aspx|archive-date=October 5, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Personal life==
Larkin's brother, [[Stephen Larkin]], was also a professional baseball player; he made it to the major leagues for one game with the Reds in 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Stephen Larkin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More |url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/larkist02.shtml |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Baseball Reference}}</ref> Another brother, [[Byron Larkin]], was a second-team [[All-American]] basketball player at [[Xavier University]] and is the color commentator on Xavier basketball radio broadcasts. Larkin's eldest brother, Mike, was a captain of the [[Notre Dame Fighting Irish football|Notre Dame football team]] in [[1985 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|1985]]. They were all raised [[Catholic Church|Catholic]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Morrison|first=Jay|title=Ex-Reds' Larkin inducted into Hall of Fame|url=https://www.springfieldnewssun.com/sports/baseball/reds-larkin-inducted-into-hall-fame/KdX3adTAgDg0NhebAwLsYN/|access-date=2021-09-15|website=springfield-news-sun|language=English}}</ref>

Larkin and his wife have two daughters and a son, [[Shane Larkin|Shane]]. The family lives in [[Orlando, Florida]]. Shane played two seasons at the [[Miami Hurricanes men's basketball|University of Miami]] before being a first round draft pick in the [[2013 NBA draft]]. He played for four NBA teams in 4 seasons, starting 41 times.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shane Larkin Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft Status and more |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/larkish01.html |access-date=2025-08-20 |website=Basketball Reference}}</ref> Larkin's daughters play [[lacrosse]]. His oldest daughter, Brielle D'Shea, is named in honor of [[Shea Stadium]], as Larkin enjoyed playing there.<ref>{{Cite web |date=August 31, 2004 |title=Jones has 17 home runs at Shea Stadium |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/print?id=1871546&type=story |access-date=2025-05-03 |website=ESPN.com |quote=Cincinnati shortstop Barry Larkin, who also enjoys playing in New York, named his daughter Brielle D'Shea. Now a TV analyst for the Cincinnati Reds for the 2021 baseball season. . |agency=Associated Press}}</ref>

==See also==
{{Portal|Biography|Baseball}}
*[[List of Major League Baseball career hits leaders]]
*[[List of Major League Baseball career runs scored leaders]]
*[[List of Major League Baseball career stolen bases leaders]]
*[[List of Major League Baseball players who spent their entire career with one franchise]]
*[[30–30 club]]

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons}}
*{{bbhof|larkin-barry}}
*{{baseballstats|mlb=117501|espn=1768|br=l/larkiba01|fangraphs=335|brm=larkin001bar|retro=L/Plarkb001}}

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