FOX Sports Ohio just got a major upgrade.
Cincinnati legend and Cooperstown inductee Barry Larkin will join the Cincinnati Reds’ television broadcast team on FOX Sports Ohio beginning with the 2021 season. The Reds tweeted the announcement on Feb. 16.
The former Reds shortstop will serve as a color analyst. Larkin previously had been an analyst for ESPN’s pre-game shows and live color commentary. He also served as an analyst for MLB Network’s “MLB Tonight” and “Hot Stove.”
On FOX Sports Ohio, Larkin will rotate duties with the returning Chris Welsh and Jeff Brantley, the Reds say in a statement.
Before joining the Reds, Larkin was selected to play for the 1984 U.S. Olympic baseball team, performing alongside other future stars Mark McGwire and Will Clark.
Born in Cincinnati, Larkin played shortstop for the Reds 1986-2004, serving as captain in 1997. Despite injuries, Larkin was considered one of the best players of his era, racking up plenty of hardware over the years: three Gold Gloves, nine Silver Sluggers, National League MVP, a Roberto Clemente Award and a Lou Gehrig Award. He helped lead the Reds to a World Series victory in 1990.
He was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.
Larkin announced his retirement from the game in 2005, with a career batting average of .295, 2,340 hits, 1,329 runs scored and 379 stolen bases.
Opening Day for the Cincinnati Reds' 2021 season is scheduled for April 1.
