Larkin, Barry Toggle navigation: Toggle search for Barry Louis Larkin is a retired Major League Baseball (MLB) player who was born on April 28, 1964. He finished his career with 456 hits and 27 home runs. He played college baseball for the Kentucky Wildcats before being selected by the Reds in the first round of the 1986 MLB Draft. Larkin made an immediate impact in the majors, winning the Rookie of the Year Award in 1989 after hitting.284 with 26 homers and 102 RBIs. He was also named to the All-Star Game that year. In 1991, Larkin became one of the top shortstops in baseball, finishing second in MVP voting that season. He again topped the league in this category in 1997 after hitting.292 with 39 homers and 105 RBIs. In addition, Larkin won another Gold Glove Award at shortstop. He ended his stellar career as one of the most productive hitters in MLB history, ranking fourth all time in hits (456), third in batting average, and second in OBP. He also ranks fifth in RBIs (1059).