Cincinnati Reds
Larkin falls short of Hall
By Staff Report, CNATI.com Posted January 6, 2010 2:15 PM ET
Former Cincinnati Reds great Barry Larkin failed to earn induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, but the support he received in his first run suggests he will make it eventually.
Larkin was named on 51.6 percent of the ballots cast. Seventy-five percent is needed for enshrinement, and outfielder Andre Dawson was the only player to qualify.
Barry Larkin
Dawson received 420 votes from the 539 ballots cast by tenured members of the Baseball Writers Association of America, for 77.9 percent. The minimum for election was 405 votes.
Larkin was named on 278 ballots, the fifth-highest total. It was the first year he was eligible.
According to ESPN, since 1968 there have been 13 position players not voted in on the first ballot but receive at least 50 percent of the vote. All 13 were eventually elected.
"The Cincinnati Reds organization and our entire city always have been and continue to be extremely proud of Barry Larkin," Reds owner Bob Castellini said in a statement released by the team. "We believe his extraordinary talent eventually will earn him a permanent place in Cooperstown alongside Reds greats Sparky Anderson, Johnny Bench, Warren Giles, Ernie Lombardi, Bill McKechnie, Bid McPhee, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Eppa Rixey and Edd Roush.
"Throughout his entire life both on and off the field, Barry has represented himself and our city with the class and professionalism consistent with the ideals of the Reds, Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. He continues to be one of our game's greatest ambassadors and one of the city's favorite sons."
Former pitcher Bert Blyleven received 400 votes and second baseman Roberto Alomar had 397, falling achingly short. It was the first time in history two players came within 10 votes of election without getting in. Pitcher Jack Morris received 282 votes.
Dawson will be inducted July 25 in Cooperstown, N.Y., along with manager Whitey Herzog and umpire Doug Harvey, who were selected by the Veterans Committee.
Larkin and former teammate Dave Parker (15.2 percent) will remain on the ballot next year. Among the other players who fell short of election but remain on the ballot are reliever Lee Smith (47.3 percent), designated hitter Edgar Martinez (36.2), outfielder Tim Raines (30.4), first baseman Mark McGwire (23.7) and shortstop Alan Trammell (22.4). Former Reds reliever Mike Jackson did not receive a vote and is no longer eligible.
Categories: Cincinnati Reds, Featured Stories, News
Tags: Barry Larkin, Baseball Hall of Fame, Baseball Writers Association of America
Comments (4)
I'm really glad to see Larkin on that many ballots. That tells me he'll get in for sure. I don't know who is on the ballot next year but maybe he'll get in. I'm a little suprised that Dawson was so heavily voted. I'm also surprised by the lack of support Alomar. Did the spit incident really tarnish him that much?
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I guess Alomar had quite a bit of support. I read it wrong the first time. He should get in.
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What are your thoughts on the blank ballots?
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Just started a new Reds blog...well, I started it a month ago but am just getting around to starting it. Please go check it out! Posted a blog on Chapman and Larkin.
http://redsrhymes.blogspot.com/
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