(Photo: The Enquirer/Michael E. Keating)
Leave it to Barry Larkin to be named the National League Most Valuable Player in one season – and have a better year the next.
The Moeller High School graduate, at age 31, was named the NL MVP in 1995 after hitting .319 with 15 home runs, 66 runs batted in and 51 stolen bases while leading the Cincinnati Reds to the Central Division championship and the NL Championship Series.
He saved making history for the following season, when he became the first shortstop in history to qualify for membership in the exclusive 30-30 Club – 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases in the same season.