Story Created:
Jan 9, 2012 at 8:11 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Jan 9, 2012 at 8:16 PM EDT
COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. (WKTV) - In just over six months, two new plaques will be installed at the Gallery in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Heading into Monday's announcement, one was guaranteed, with Ron Santo getting the nod from the Veteran's Committee. But with the Writer's Ballot revealed, Barry Larkin became the number two.
Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson made the annoucement live on MLB Network on Monday, introducing Larkin as "The pride of Cincinnati and a fan favorite," before giving him an official "Welcome to the Hall of Fame."
Baseball fans from all over flocked to the Bullpen Theater to watch the live coverage, as Larkin was announced to the 2012 Class.
Justin Huey, a Braves fan and native of Lawrenceville, GA, has fond memories of the Cincinnati star. "I remember Larkin, his great shortstop defense. Saw that for at least ten years. I remember him always patrolling the middle infield whenever we played the Reds. He was fantastic."
Jeff Viaud, a Mets fan and Bloomfield, New Jersey native, also had rave revues for Larkin's election, even though he never got to see him in person. "I certainly think he deserves to get in, because he's a true patriot of the game, he knows how to play the game of baseball. From what I've heard and what I've seen, he always interacted well with the players. He was stellar defensively, one of the best defensive players I've ever seen."
Anna Wade, Director of Museum Education at the Hall, also witnessed the Larkin announcement from the Bullpen Theater, as well as the many highlights shown from his playing days. "Barry, the clips we saw on MLB Network, just a really exciting, dynamic player. He's thrilled about the announcement and we couldn't be happier to welcome him."
While Larkin was the only player to get elected off the Writer's Ballot, with 86% of the vote, two others made significant improvement for next year. Jack Morris saw his total rise from 54% last year to 67% this year and Jeff Bagwell, who went from just under 42% in 2011 to 56% in 2012. Those two will be the leading candidates for election in 2013, when several controversial players, including Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, will be on the ballot for the first time.
