Net Worth Ranker
What Is Barry Larkin’s Net Worth?
Barry Larkin, a celebrated former professional baseball player, boasts a net worth of $40 million. This substantial wealth is primarily attributed to his successful 19-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB), endorsements, and post-retirement endeavors.
Earnings and Career Highlights
During his illustrious career with the Cincinnati Reds from 1986 to 2004, Barry Larkin accumulated nearly $80 million in salary alone. This figure doesn’t include potential earnings from endorsements, investments, or other income streams during his playing days. Larkin was known for his exceptional skills, earning him numerous accolades, including nine Silver Slugger Awards and three Gold Glove Awards. His contributions were instrumental in the Reds’ victory in the 1990 World Series, where he batted .353, contributing significantly to the team’s four-game sweep of the Oakland Athletics. His performance in 1996 was particularly notable, as he hit a career-high 33 home runs and stole 36 bases, showcasing his all-around abilities.
Early Life and Education
Born on April 28, 1964, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Barry Larkin’s upbringing laid a solid foundation for his future success. He comes from a family with a strong athletic background; his brother Stephen played minor league baseball, Byron played college basketball, and Mike captained the University of Notre Dame football team. As a teenager, Larkin attended Archbishop Moeller High School, a well-regarded institution known for its athletic programs. After graduating, he initially accepted a football scholarship to the University of Michigan. However, during his freshman year, he made the pivotal decision to focus solely on baseball. This decision proved to be a turning point, as he led the Michigan Wolverines to College World Series appearances in both 1983 and 1984. His outstanding performance earned him the Big Ten Player of the Year award in both 1984 and 1985. In 1984, Larkin also had the honor of representing the United States on the silver medal-winning baseball team at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Minor League Career
Larkin’s journey to the major leagues began in the minor leagues, where he honed his skills and demonstrated his potential. He played for the Vermont Reds of the Eastern League, contributing to their Eastern League Championship victory in 1985. The following year, he advanced to the Triple-A level, playing with the Denver Zephyrs of the American Association. His exceptional performance with the Zephyrs earned him the AAA Player of the Year award in 1986, solidifying his readiness for the major leagues.
Cincinnati Reds Career (1986-1996)
Barry Larkin’s major league career commenced in 1986 when he was called up to the Cincinnati Reds. He quickly established himself as the starting shortstop, outperforming fellow prospect Kurt Stillwell. In 1988, Larkin experienced a breakout year, leading all major league players with a mere 24 strikeouts in 588 at-bats. This impressive display of discipline at the plate earned him his first of nine Silver Slugger Awards. Two years later, in 1990, Larkin played a crucial role in leading the Reds to a World Series victory. He batted .353 in the series, helping the team sweep the Oakland Athletics in four games. The following year, he achieved another milestone by becoming the first shortstop ever to hit five home runs across two consecutive games. Despite contemplating retirement when his contract expired in 1992, Larkin was persuaded to remain with the Reds after the acquisition of pitchers Greg Swindell and Tim Belcher. Subsequently, he signed a five-year contract with the team worth $25.6 million. He went on to win his fifth consecutive Silver Slugger Award and the Roberto Clemente Award in 1993. In 1994, Larkin secured his first of three consecutive Gold Glove Awards. He had one of his most successful years in 1995, becoming the first shortstop to win the National League’s MVP Award since Maury Wills in 1962. Larkin’s leadership helped the Reds secure the National League Central title and advance to the NLCS, where they ultimately lost to the Atlanta Braves. He continued his strong performance in 1996, hitting a career-high 33 home runs and stealing 36 bases.
Cincinnati Reds Career (1997-2004)
In 1997, Barry Larkin was appointed as the captain of the Reds. However, this season marked the beginning of a period of decline in his career, as he began to experience a series of injuries that would affect him throughout his final years in the MLB. He missed 55 games in 1997 due to calf and Achilles tendon injuries, and in 1998, he missed the majority of the season after undergoing neck surgery. In 1999, Larkin was nearly traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers. The following year, he blocked a trade to the New York Mets and missed 59 games due to finger and knee injuries. Larkin’s 2001 season was cut short due to hernia surgery. While he did not miss any games in 2002, he was hampered by injuries to his ribs, shoulder, hamstring, neck, and toe, resulting in his lowest batting average (.245) since his first full year in the MLB. In 2003, Larkin spent two stints on the disabled list due to calf injuries. Later that year, he almost left the Reds due to contract negotiation conflicts with the team’s COO, John Allen. Ultimately, Larkin agreed to a one-year contract with the team for the 2004 season. During that season, he batted .289. This would be Larkin’s final season in the MLB, as he announced his retirement in early 2005. Over his 19-year career with the Reds, he accumulated a .295 batting average, 198 home runs, 960 RBI, and 379 stolen bases. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest shortstops in baseball history.
Post-Playing Career and Earnings
Following his retirement, Barry Larkin transitioned into various roles within the baseball world. He served as a special assistant to the general manager of the Washington Nationals, contributing his expertise to the team’s operations. Later, he became a studio analyst for the MLB Network, sharing his insights and analysis with viewers. In 2009, Larkin served as the bench coach for the United States team in the World Baseball Classic. He left his front-office position with the Nationals in 2011 to become a baseball analyst for ESPN, further expanding his presence in the media. In 2012, Larkin received the highest honor in baseball when he was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In 2013, he was invited by the Brazilian Baseball Federation to manage its national team in the qualifiers for the World Baseball Classic. Although Brazil did not achieve any wins in its WBC debut and was eliminated after the first round, Larkin’s involvement demonstrated his commitment to promoting baseball internationally. He later rejoined his former team, the Reds, as a minor-league roving infield instructor, sharing his knowledge and experience with young players. In 2021, he became a member of the Reds’ television broadcast team on Fox Sports Ohio, providing commentary and analysis during games. Additionally, Larkin has been actively involved in the US Department of State’s Sports Diplomacy program, conducting baseball clinics in underserved areas around the world. His post-playing career endeavors have not only contributed to his net worth but have also allowed him to remain involved in the sport he loves and give back to the community.
Real Estate Investments
Barry and his wife Lisa owned an opulent custom-built 14,500 square-foot mansion in Orlando since the 1990s. The property featured luxurious amenities and reflected their success and lifestyle. They initially listed the home for sale in 2012 for $10.9 million, indicating their desire to downsize or relocate. As the years passed, the price was adjusted to reflect market conditions. In September 2018, it was listed for $5.9 million, and in September 2019, the price was further reduced to $5.4 million. Ultimately, the mansion sold in December 2019 for $4.6 million. The sale of this property contributed to Barry Larkin’s overall net worth, although the final sale price was significantly lower than the initial listing price. The difference between the initial listing price and the final sale price indicates the fluctuations in the real estate market and the challenges of selling high-end properties. The property, located in Orlando, Florida, served as their primary residence for many years. The couple raised their children in this home. The listing price reductions likely reflect changing market conditions and the desire to sell the property within a reasonable timeframe. The sale of the mansion represents a significant transaction in Barry Larkin’s financial history, impacting his net worth and investment portfolio.
Personal Life
Barry Larkin’s personal life has played a significant role in shaping his values and priorities. He and his wife, Lisa, have three children: two daughters named Brielle and Cymber, and a son named Shane. The family resides in Orlando, Florida, where they enjoy a comfortable and private lifestyle. Shane Larkin has followed in his father’s footsteps by pursuing a career in professional sports. He has played in the NBA for teams such as the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics, showcasing his athletic abilities and determination. The success of his son in the NBA further adds to the family’s accomplishments and recognition. Barry Larkin’s commitment to his family is evident in his involvement in their lives and his support for their individual pursuits. His strong family values have contributed to his overall well-being and have likely influenced his approach to his career and financial decisions. The Larkins maintain a relatively low profile, focusing on their family and personal interests. They are known for their philanthropic endeavors and their commitment to giving back to the community.
Net Worth Calculation
Barry Larkin’s $40 million net worth is a culmination of various factors, primarily his MLB earnings, endorsements, and post-retirement income. Over his 19-year MLB career, Larkin earned nearly $80 million in salary. He earned $25.6 million from 1992 to 1997 after signing a contract with the Reds. While the exact figures for his endorsements and post-retirement income are not publicly available, they undoubtedly contribute significantly to his overall wealth. In considering real estate, the sale of his Orlando mansion for $4.6 million would have impacted his holdings. The calculation of a net worth is not simply all earnings added up. Factors such as taxes, investments (gains and losses), philanthropy, and personal spending also play a role in determining the end figure. While the estimated amount in this article is $40 million, this number could fluctuate depending on the performance of investments, business ventures, and changes in the real estate market, and changes to family wealth overall.
