Barry Larkin played baseball for the University of Michigan for three years from 1983 to 1985. He was drafted by his hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds, in the second round of the ‘82 MLB Draft, but instead chose to go to Ann Arbor. Larkin was the first two-time winner of the Big Ten Player of the Year Award while batting .361 during his collegiate career. 
Upon arriving in Ann Arbor, Barry Larkin intended to play football and baseball. "I did get drafted out of high school, so I knew I was pretty good. But I think I got drafted more on potential than skill," said Larkin. "I just didn't dominate baseball like I did in football, so when I went to Michigan, that's all I had to go by. I mean, I was just thinking, 'football, football, football,' because that's all I did, and that's what I was really good at.”
After a year spent redshirting for football, Larkin decided his future was in baseball - a choice he knew he would have to share with (Bo) Schembechler. When Larkin told his coach about his change of heart, Schembechler told him to return a week later to again discuss the matter. Larkin did so, again repeating his intentions.
“I thought he was going to jump across his desk and absolutely strangle me,” Larkin said, recalling a sit-down meeting he had with the legendary Michigan football coach. “He told me, ‘Larkin - this is the University of Michigan. No one comes to the University of Michigan to play baseball.’ ”
Larkin replied with two words, “Yes, sir.”
“Fine, you want to go play that sissy sport - go play,” responded Schembechler, who pitched in college at Miami. “But I can still strike you out.”
Bud Middaugh, Larkin’s Coach at U of M said, "Being able to watch Barry Larkin was a blessing. It was a blessing for my team, for the Michigan fans and everyone who got a chance to see him play."
In 1984, Larkin won the silver medal for the United States in the Olympics. Following his time as a Wolverine, Larkin was again drafted by the Reds in 1985, this time 4th overall. He would go on to play his entire MLB career, until 2004, with Cincinnati. As a Red, Larkin would be elected to 12 all-star games, win 3 Golden Gloves, 9 Silver Slugger Awards; the MVP Award in 1985. In 1996, Larkin was the first shortstop to ever hit 30 home runs and steal 30 bases in a season.
Barry Larkin has since been elected to the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, the Michigan Hall of Honor, and the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Larkin currently lives in Orlando, FL and works as an analyst for the MLB Network. He is up for induction into the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame in 2010.
Past Alumni’s of the Week: