Barry Larkin's National League MVP (1995)

Lore & Background

Larkin's 1995 MVP season was a highlight of his 19-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was a 12-time All-Star, won nine Silver Slugger awards, three Gold Glove awards, and was a key player on the 1990 World Series championship team. He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

In Their Own Story

The lights hummed overhead at Riverfront Stadium as the ninth inning settled into a quiet tension. The crowd, weary from a long strike-shortened season, leaned forward in anticipation. Barry Larkin stepped to the plate, adjusting his batting gloves with practiced ease. He didn't need to say anything; the weight of the jersey spoke for him. When he cracked the ball toward left field, the roar that erupted was not just for a hit, but for a promise kept to Cincinnati.

Reader's Guide

Larkin's 1995 season did not include a batting title (Tony Gwynn won that year) nor a league lead in doubles. He did not win the National League pennant; the Reds lost the NLCS to the Braves.

Did You Know?

• Larkin became the first shortstop in MLB history to join the 30–30 club in 1996, hitting 33 home runs and stealing 36 bases.
• He was named the Reds' captain before the 1997 season, the first player to hold the honor since Dave Concepción's retirement.
• Larkin played his entire 19-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds from 1986 to 2004.