By Rosalie Davis

August 14, 2010 8:12 PM | Link to this

MIKE; Let me tell you something about Johnny Bench, I meet him when he was a Rookie with the Reds and I thought and still do feel he had great manners to his Fan’s Me for one. I remember back in 1977 when the Red were still in Tampa I waited for 5 hour’s in the Sun to see JB and yes I got to see him and talk to him and he also remembered my Father taking me to Cinn. to the World Series in 1976 . So he has good manners and he does like his fan’s and Yep I got his Auto when he was a Rookie and again when he was here in VA. a few years ago. A True Red’s Fan.

By Rosalie

March 30, 2010 2:16 PM | Link to this

I think Barry Larkin belongs in the Hall of Fame just like Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan and one day Pete Rose will be in there too. There is no reason why he should not be there . He always was a great player, Good Luck Barry A Big Red Machine Fan

By Buckfan69

January 9, 2010 8:27 PM | Link to this

Barry was a good shortstop; not a great one. He missed far too many games year in and year out. I’d take Concepcion any day of the week over Larkin. I never spent time in the clubhouse like Hal but I’ve been watching this team for 50 years and I always felt Larkin had a me-first attitude. I don’t buy the team leader line at all.

By Joe P.

January 1, 2010 10:39 PM | Link to this

Why not add Marvin Miller to the Hall of Fame? What happened during the last vote?

By Bob Eblin

December 25, 2009 4:19 AM | Link to this

How do you feel about the way Larkin and Griffey treated our friend Jack McKeon on the way out..Bob,your retired UPS Man

By michael

December 21, 2009 11:26 AM | Link to this

Hal, what are your thoughts on Dave Parker and why he is not in the HOF? Parker was a great all- around player and always carried his team. Doesn’t that count for anything?

By mark

December 16, 2009 1:49 PM | Link to this

Larkin was the only SS in MLB history to hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a single season? Then who was the shortstop that made the 40/40 club in 1998? Hint: he played for Seattle. Larkin was the first but not the only one.

By michael

December 15, 2009 3:35 PM | Link to this

And Larkin spent the off-seasons in Florida. Larkin asked to be traded more than once. Larkin would not bat leadoff because he wanted to pad his offensive stats, which are not HOF type anyway. Captain Larkin tore the C off his uniform because the team let go his utility playing buddy. Larkin missed A LOT of games. I remember turning the game on and wondering why he was not in the lineup….again! Larkin had a fine career, but the Hall is for great players…not for the good players. He was the best on a not so good club (excluding 1990 of course).

By Paul

December 8, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Davey chose to spend the off-season in his home country and showed little desire to become a part of the community. He could have been very successful doing endorsements had he bothered to improve his English. He was one of the greatest shortstops, a vital part of the Big Red Machine, deserving of HOF selection. While I respect his love of Venezeula and his desire to live there, he could have had greater exposure by staying involved in the MLB community.

By Mike

December 5, 2009 6:33 AM | Link to this

Barry should get in… period. Maybe not on this first ticket as I see others more deserving and need to get in this time like Blyleven, Parker, Murphy. I met Barry once and saw him a few more times at various functions in Cincinnati as I lived in the next neighborhood from him in Kenwood while he was in Silverton. We all know of his baseball stats and even his minor disputes at times with management which occurs with ALL players at some point in their career, but I can say with confidence he was a great ambassador for the sport…and continues to be. He is good with kids and adults alike and doesn’t have the aire of arrogance, to be quite honest, that one on here has suggested. If anything, Johnny Bench, who is a member of the Kenwood Country Club, is one who avoids anyone who tries to just “hello” and, heaven forbid, ask for an autograph. Not trying to bash him but this is a fact shared by members and is why I have never even attempted to say hello to him. Bottom line is many HOF’ers were rough individuals to put it mildly, like Ty Cobb, and got in just on their play on the diamond. BL’s play alone should get him in the hall, but his character and contribution to the game is worthy of more “points”.He recognized and was a mentor for younger players on the Reds and opposing teams routinely. His character as a man on and off the field was, and remains today, an atribute, NOT a hindrance.

By michael

December 4, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

Griffey is a Hall of Famer, but not for what he did in Cincinnati. Additionally, You can’t compare Larkin to Griffey. Play fair JB!

By jb

December 4, 2009 4:01 AM | Link to this

So,Mr. Redlegs,i guess in your mind Griffey Jr. does not belong in HOF because he missed alot of games to?,and one other thing,Tony your an IDIOT!!!

By Ann

December 2, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this

He was a very good player, but he’s not a HOFer. I agree that the Hall is getting watered down, and Barry Larkin would make it more diluted.

By TI

December 2, 2009 10:38 PM | Link to this

I liked BL, but I can’t ever forget him and Griffey Jr. leaving the last game of a season early to show disrespect to Jack McKeon. Sorry Hal, BL was not my idea of a gamer or leader, he was arrogant like Griffey.

By rj

December 2, 2009 8:55 PM | Link to this

I could care less what “writers like me (?)” think or vote. They are nobodies that wanna be somebodies. They have set themselves up as “protectors” of the hall….only THEY who deem worthy gain entrance. They have ruined anything connected with so-called hall. When they all die, then perhaps baseball will regain control and make the hall of shame a true Hall of Fame.

By Tony

December 2, 2009 7:57 PM | Link to this

To No, Tony December 2, 2009 12:09 PM When I lumped broadcasters and writers together in my post of 11:47 I’m sorry you felt the difference was enough to respond over. I should have said “baseball media types” or “Frick-and-Spink” winners. My point is those types set the bar much lower for their own admission. But for the ones who actually played the game, the media types are the ONLY force keeping actual players of the 4100 hit quality, 70 HR in a season stature or 700 career homer stature out of the HOF. No of those banned players were or are any worse than many of the alcoholic womanizing writers-broadcasters who are have a wing in the HOF (and address the crowd at induction as inductees). Though you point out the media types aren’t really inducted I point out they are the only non-players who have that honor at HOF. Many other types are far more deserving but those types don’t get to vote so they will never get to “shyster” their way in the back door of the HOF like the media types do. I’m just glad that newspapers are dying in this country. Too many writers have made most of their columns about haranguing ball player. As for Mr McCoy self-righteous indignation over politicking candidates for the HOF. He never had any problems politicking against ball players being in the HOF. He could have easily spent today’s column saying nice things about one of the great Yankee outfields who passed away in Dayton yesterday, Tommy (Ole’ Reliable) Henrich, a player Ritter Collet always wrote glowingly about. For Mr. McCoy to have done that would have required him to write something nice about a person. With Mr. McCoy’s propensity I understand why he chose the low road when a high road was offered to him

By GC

December 2, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this

I wish Larkin the best for the Hall of Fame. I honestly don’t think he will be voted in on his first try. I look at the other players that are a higher caliber than Larkin, with all do respect to him. My question is why would the Reds send out emails to voters for Larkin, and not Conception? With all the years Conception gave the Reds, you would think that he would have their respect. Obvious the Reds could of cared less if he made it to the HOF. Pretty pathetic if you ask me. If they were a team with class, they would back any player that was HOF material when their time was do for induction. I wonder what Marge Schott would say if she was around?

By michael

December 2, 2009 4:50 PM | Link to this

Jack…you called it. I was still trying to figure out why the race card was even thrown down.

By Jack

December 2, 2009 3:55 PM | Link to this

Hate to even respond to this garbage, but again, a race argument is brought up when none exists. Hal writes an article about why Larkin should be in the Hall of Fame and also why Concepcion should be in the Hall of Fame (last time I checked, davey was not white)…but its Hal thats bashing Larking. Hal is one of the few writers who stuck up for Griffey…yet “he is always bashing Griffey and Larkin.” If you want to bring up Cincy and racism, thats fine, but why bring Hal into the argument when he has only praised both of these guys. You look stupid and ignorant when you try and make something where there is nothing. Just go away.

By Ron

December 2, 2009 2:37 PM | Link to this

Analyze Bert Blyleven’s stats and there is no way you can’t vote him into the HOF. Remember, he played with a lot of lousy teams over the years (Twins, Rangers, Indians, and Pirates). He had an ERA below 3.00 for many of those years and it wasn’t until late in his career that he went above 4.00. If Bert doesn’t belong in the HOF, there are a lot of pitchers who don’t belong!!

By Mike-Cinci

December 2, 2009 2:14 PM | Link to this

I was surprised Hal said some HOF voters would be turned off by the Reds email supporting Barry Larkin for the HOF. Those writers(voters) should resign from the voting process. Their priorities are confused and ethics compromised. Getting into the Hall of Fame should be based on performance not on how popular a player was with writers nor should it hurt him if his team supports him. I think this is a good thing. By the way the fact the Reds tried to trade him to the Mets means nothing. Bowden was trying to improve the team. Barry used his player rights and refused the trade. The Reds then signed him to a $27 million 3 year deal that turned out badly for the Reds. Barry was in decline and his performance over the last 3 years never matched his contract. I wish Barry well and it would be great honor for him to be elected to Cooperstown.

By tony

December 2, 2009 1:17 PM | Link to this

I read some of these comments and understand exactly why black people ddont like baseball and why baseball is considered the Nascar of ball sports. Barry Larkin was a class act even when their racist owner Marge Schott wasnt. Batty Larkin ddidnt take the oppurtunity to bash Schott when he had every right to do. barry didnt go after the majority white sports media when they let Ryan Freel of the hook for multiple DUI’s. Larkin didnt call out the majority white media when they fail all over themselves for a crackhead like Josh hamilton who the white media called the “natural”. Only in Cincinnati would you find white media types making the arguement that PR from the Reds on behalf on one of their greatest players is a negative thing. Where was Hal McCoy when they were “politicing” for Joe Nuxall? Oh i forgot Joe was white and Barry is a black clubhouse politican who had the nerve to take the “Captains C” off of his chest and challenge the majority white media were blacks are the dominate force. And you wonder why baseball is seen as the “white sport” with the least athletic players.Hal McCoy is a joke and everytime he and Marty got together they always bashed Griffey and larkin because thats what happens to star black athletes in Cincinnati while average to below averahe white athleets get kudos from the white media just because basbeall is the last sport were white guys have a chance to be called the best.

By No, Tony

December 2, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Baseball writers receive an award that is the equivalent of them making the HOF. Bob Uecker was not a baseball writer, he was a broadcaster and was honored for that, like a few other ex-players. They are not actually inducted members of the HOF, they have their own room in the basement, away from the players, managers and executives.

By Tony

December 2, 2009 11:42 AM | Link to this

There goes Hal again. He spent his entire career bad mouthing say ball player that didn’t “beso” his “colido”. He is one of those writers that have turned the baseball hall of fame into a political contest. Notice he said the email by the Reds would turn some writers like him away from voting for Larkin. It won’t turn away any writers who understand that the Hall of Fame is SUPPOSED to be about the candidates performance on the field while he was an active player. That wouldn’t address Hal’s vindictive ego so he’ll drag anything else in that let’s his vituperative side blow off. Writers get voted into the baseball HOF for fulfilling three requirements only 1) Don’t quit 2) Don’t get fired 3) Don’t die. and if they fulfill those thre equirements but actually played in the big leagues they’re still not allowed in (i.e. Joe Nuxhall; exception that proves the rule Bob Uecker). And if writers didn’t do the voting they wouldn’t be in the HOF at all. They don’t belong in baseball’s HOF they belong in the journalist HOF and if there’s any justice in the world induction will be based on appearing on two thirds of the ballots cast by major league ballplayers.

By deuce

December 2, 2009 11:34 AM | Link to this

Geez… a lot of Barry bashing on here. A 12 time all-star, 9 silver slugger awards (means for 9 years he hit better than any other shortstop), an MVP, a World Series ring (the last the Reds may ever get). Who else does the Reds have during that era? Eric Davis, Glenn Braggs, Sabo, Duncan, Oliver, Morris, the Nasty Boys?? Some of those guys put up good numbers for a few years, but no one was as consistent year in and year out as Barry. HoF for sure

By oldtimer

December 2, 2009 10:57 AM | Link to this

This is for all you naysayers: ESPN named Davey Concepcion the top shortstop of the 1970s.

By steve

December 2, 2009 10:48 AM | Link to this

Looking at the number doesn’t always tell the story. To those who look at the numbers and say that should exclude Concepcion, you must never have saw him play shortstop. The man was poetry in motion, great, great, great fielder who got to balls and made throws that nobody else I saw play the position(which btw is arguably the most important position on the team) the way Davey could.

By Andy

December 2, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

So, Tom would punish Barry because another Reds player decided to break the number one rule in any major league clubhouse. Genious… I’m sure Pete would let you tell him how great he is if you stood in line for an hour and gave him $50.

By brunnegd

December 2, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

Tom, Pete Rose sullied the game of baseball. He doesn’t deserve any recognition from baseball, especially the HoF.

By cardenas 16

December 2, 2009 9:22 AM | Link to this

Both Concepcion and Larkin should be in if Pee Wee Reese, Rizzuto, and Aparicio and even Ozzie are in. Both were more complete players to those guys.

By Tom

December 2, 2009 9:16 AM | Link to this

If Pete Rose can’t get in the Hall of Fame, I don’t think another Red deserves to be there, no matter what their credentials are.

By THE SUBWAY GUY

December 2, 2009 8:53 AM | Link to this

WAYYY TO MUCH NEGATIVE ENERGY OBVIOUSLY TO MANY OF YOU WERE NOT KIDS SITTING DOWN WATCHING THE REDS WIN A WORLD SERIES I WAS AND BARRY WAS AN INSPERATION TO ALOT OF YOUNG PLAYERS ON AND OFF THE FIELD SO DONT HATE ON A MAN WHO WAS GREAT AND YOU JUST COULD HACK IT AS A PEEWEE BALL PLAYER IM GLAD TO SEE HIM MAKE IT WHEN HE DOES…………. THE SUBWAY GUY

By NO MCGUIRE

December 2, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this

Barry was a “great” player on a mediocre team. Is he HoF material? Sure, if you look at his stats, which is what drives the voting anyway.

By paul

December 2, 2009 8:06 AM | Link to this

I recall an article I read during the Larkin era where the starters warmed up separately away from the other players.

By john

December 2, 2009 8:03 AM | Link to this

Was I the only person to notice that Barry would always lay down a bunt with a runner at first and less than two outs and his team leading by five runs? Hence if he beat it out he was credited with a hit. If he did not beat it out then he was credited with a sacrifice and not charged with an at-bat. Sort of working on the batting average?

By sam

December 2, 2009 7:58 AM | Link to this

How many times was he an all-star because of the rule that every team had to be represented?

By bill

December 2, 2009 7:57 AM | Link to this

How about the time when Barry ripped the ‘C’ (captain) off of his jersey?

By joe

December 2, 2009 7:55 AM | Link to this

Larkin is one of the most overrated players to ever play the game!

By bleeb

December 2, 2009 7:36 AM | Link to this

Concepcion & Larkin have VERY similar stats, and both should be in the Hall. By the way, Concepcion also had an ERA of 0.00. :)

By null

December 2, 2009 7:26 AM | Link to this

Larkin is a top 5-10 shortstop all-time. As good a hitter as media darling Derek Jeter, better baserunner, and let’s not insult Larkin by trying to compare their defense. He may not get in on the first ballot, because he did not reach any magic offensive numbers like 3,000 hits, but he’ll get in. He, Alomar and Blyleven are the best on the ballot, with the ridiculously snubbed Tim Raines up there as well.

By Richard

December 2, 2009 7:08 AM | Link to this

Most of you say he was good but not great. That is because most the so called great players are on steroids.

By Kilroy

December 2, 2009 7:00 AM | Link to this

This is a big reason why I think the Hall of Fame voting by the baseball writers is a sham. As you say many voters were likely turned of by Davey’s PR campaign, which should have no bearing AT ALL. Writer’s as I’ve seen on many tv shows are to emotional about this. In my opinion either you are HoF worthy or you aren’t.

By Max

December 2, 2009 5:44 AM | Link to this

I remember BL along with Ken Griffey leaving the dugout, and going to the clubhouse and leaving during the last game of the year on a particular baseball season. Before the game was over like in the 5th or 6th inning? Am I wrong on that Hal? Is this the action of a Hall of Fame candidate?

By Max

December 2, 2009 5:38 AM | Link to this

Didn’t Larkin take it upon himself, along with Ken Griffey to leave and go home the last game of the year on baseball season? Is this the actions of a Hall of Fammer?

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

December 2, 2009 12:57 AM | Link to this

Why should Larkin get in before Alan Trammell? He shouldn’t Look ‘em up. They’re almost parallel except Trammell was more durable. But Trammell is still waiting to get into Cooperstown and already seen as a likely Veteran’s Committe selection. So why should Larkin get in when he missed so much time? He shouldn’t.

By BPM

December 1, 2009 10:16 PM | Link to this

I debate all the time with a Cardinals fan who was the better all around shortstop, Ozzie or Barry. I don’t think the question warrants debate. Barry, of course. Hal, what is your take?

By michael

December 1, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

Larkin was very good…not great. HOF should be for the great. I remember a lot of days when BL was not in the lineup…but not too many when Pete Rose wasn’t. Larkin was a good player and a good Red, but demanded a lot and refused to do what the team needed (bat leadoff, take a small pay cut) As lifetime Red fan, I liked BL, but don’t feel he should be in the Hall. He did not exemplify the HOF’er.

By ToddBall69

December 1, 2009 8:36 PM | Link to this

I guess we’ll never know how many games Larkin lost to injury due to the turf at Riverfront. After 17,18,19 years I imagine the toll was significant. I firmly beleive Barry Larkin is a hall of famer. The MVP, his role on a World Series winner, and his defence added to his offensive production makes me feel that anyone not voting for him must not have seen him play a whole lot. Larkin for the Hall!

By J

December 1, 2009 8:06 PM | Link to this

Maybe the writers need to stop being so thin-skinned. Who are they to feel insulted because a team is campaigning for their player? They should just get over it. I for one would be grateful if a team were to send me a summary of a player up for election, in order to make my voting easier. As for Davey, maybe if the press would’ve talked to him more in the 70’s, instead of just Bench, Rose, and Morgan, he would’ve felt more appreciated. I don’t blame Davey at all.

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

December 1, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Oh. You canNOT be one of the 10 best players of all time when you’re not on the field.

By Mr. Redlegs (Original)

December 1, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

I have a serious problem with the number of games Larkin missed when considering his HOF worthiness. In 19 years, he averaged just 114 games a season. In his final eight years, he played to that average number of games just three times. When he was healthy and on the field, he was great. But he missed the equivalent of five full seasons. As the team’s best player, the impact of him not being on the field affected the Reds how much? I just don’t see how anyone who missed 28 percent of his team’s games can be in the Hall on an early ballot without one of the landmark career numbers.

By Larkin for HOF

December 1, 2009 5:19 PM | Link to this

Barry Larkin is deserving of the HOF when you compare him to other shortstops. His numbers prove it: .295 BA,190 HR, 12 time all star, 1 MVP, etc. Dave Concepcion’s numbers dont quite stack up. Although he was a pivotal part of the Big Red Machine, his .267 BA and 101 HR (an avg of 5.3 a year)are not HOF numbers. The HOF is getting watered down with a lot of good players when it should be only the great players.

By Doug

December 1, 2009 4:32 PM | Link to this

… one of the 10 best all-around players of all time… amen, Bill James! Hal, tell me you DID NOT vote for the Toronto Spitter — Rubber Toe Alomar!

By Randall Bounds

December 1, 2009 2:35 PM | Link to this

The one thing that sets Barry apart but also puts him into a certain elite class that HOF voters need to take into account is Dave Concepcion (as much as I love him) never did a backflip on the field. Barry did after winning the 1990 NLCS, so that puts him shoulder to shoulder with one Ozzie Smith, a weaker player in my eyes than Barry was. I bet Mr. C forgot to put that into the vote plea that was sent out. But really, I don’t see alot on this years list that I would vote for, but if I had a vote, it would be 1)Larkin 2)Dawson 3)Blyleven 4)Lee Smith 5)McGriff 6) Dave Parker & 7) Dale Murphy.

By Tim

December 1, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

I think Barry Larkin will have an easier time getting elected to the HOF than some of the others on that list. He has stayed in the baseball as an executive and now as a media figure. He is personable and other than some ruffled feathers with the Reds, has not casted a negative light on himself. And he has Sean Casey as his biggest cheerleader on MLB TV!!

By JAMESRSHOCKMAN

December 1, 2009 2:07 PM | Link to this

ALSO HOPE THAT BERT BLYLEVEN GOT YOUR VOTE. IT IS AN INJUSTICE THAT HE IS NOT ALREADY IN AND DON SUTTON AND GAYLORD PERRY ARE.TALK ABOUT PLAYERS THAT CHEATED THEIR WAY IN, THOSE 2 DID.