The HOF meaning of Barry Larkin for Barry Bonds

Barry Larkin, shortstop for the Cincinnati Reds, got the call on Monday. It was a beautiful call and the call that he was hoping for after playing a round of golf in the morning.

"I'm just incredibly, incredibly moved by this whole experience and so humbled by the experience and so excited about being the newest member of the Hall of Fame," Larkin said.


Barry Larkin will be inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame this summer.

Congratulations, Barry Larkin!


The former Reds shortstop was selected on 495 of 573 ballots (86 percent) in voting announced by the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Above the 75 percent vote necessary for induction. This was the third year Barry Larkin was on the ballot.


What is the meaning of Barry Larkin's Hall of Fame vote for the MLB all-time home run leader, Barry Bonds?


Well, we could do an apples and oranges comparison between the two Barry's: one is an infielder, one is an outfielder; one is a hitter for average, one is a slugger, etc., etc.

But that would grow tiresome quickly.


All we know is that the Baseball Writers' Association of America is being very selective these days with its votes. Very selective. Except for the ballot stuffing efforts of Jason Stark, of course.

In fact, for some players, it is not about being selective, it is about being completely ignored.

Mark McGwire, 10th on the home run list, received 19.5% of the vote this year. Rafael Palmeiro, also a 500 home run club member, received 12.6% of the vote. Ignored. Well below 75 percent.

What will this mean for Barry Bonds and his friends Roger Clemens, Mike Piazza and Sammy Sosa? Will they be ignored like Mark and Rafael? Bets are on the Ignore side for round 1 next year.


Bud Selig, enjoy the Hall of Fame induction of Barry Larkin this summer.