Barry Larkin's National League MVP (1995)
Barry Larkin: 1995 NL MVP, 12-time All-Star, and Hall of Fame shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds.
Barry Larkin won the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1995, becoming the first shortstop to win the award since Maury Wills in 1962. That season, he finished 10th in batting (.319) and finished second in the National League in stolen bases (51). He led the Reds to the National League Central division title and the National League Championship Series, where he batted .389 during the series loss to the eventual champion Atlanta Braves.
Quick Facts
- League leadership
- Stolen Bases (51) – 2nd in NL
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.
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.
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