Barry Larkin: HoFer?

[Rirruto]

With his retirement looming, it made me ponder if this guy is a Hall of Fame player. I'll be the first to admit that I dont know much about the guy even though I've been following baseball for a long time. He seems to be like the quietest, least publicized 12 time All Star and MVP in the history of the game. Cincy fans, can you enlighten me? From what I've seen, he had a decent BA and OBP and had some pop. Also has a good amount of SBs at 379. Doesnt have much in terms of "milestones" that HoFs have. I do think the average of 15 HR and 71 RBI as a SS is pretty good though. 3 Gold Gloves also...

So is this guy a Hall of Famer or what? Please enlighten my Larkin ignorance...

[eftda]

I think he gets cut off

Its kinda hard to say, Who has retired this year and who retired last year?

[Arlo]

I think he probably gets in, unless he's overshadowed by the current generation of shortstops. I think James has him somewhere around sixth all-time at the position; even though Larkin doesn't have all the milestones, he was a very valuable player.

We'll see - you'll certainly hear different opinions on this one...

[Dr. Duran Duran]

I think it would be a bit of a travesty if he didn't make it. A 12-time All-Star, 3-time gold glove winner, 1995 NL MVP. I just can't imagine him not getting in. Of course, I said the same thing about Ryne Sandberg in his first year of eligibility, so maybe it will take more than one try, but he should be enshrined.

[Kingctb27]

I think he will make it, but he won't get in his first time he's up for it....

[stevethumb]

i have a bit of a quibble w/using a players # of all star appearances as an argument for being in the HOF...the fans constantly vote for players who are undeserving of all star status and many managers put players on the roster as courtesies...blarkin is a close call but will probably get in due to his enormous popularity

[Pablo975]

From the days of Ripken/Trammell until the current explosion of stud SS, Larkin was the best SS around. That has to count for something. I think his stats won't get him in though. His leadership and nice guy persona will.....course, I think Dale Murphy should be in too, but nice guys finish last.

I see him going in late or by the Vet committee.

[j24jags]

i say he gets in either 1st or 2nd ballot.

-12 All Star Games
-1 MVP
-3 Gold Gloves
-Stats similar to Ryne Sandberg w/ a higher Avg and Less HRs.

[reznorsboy]

I think that the Hall is for those special players that played the game on a different level than their peers. I think Barry certainly qualifies.

[acsguitar]

I always thought of Larkin as poor mans Ozzy