Deaths on January 31

Henry Larkin, American baseball player and manager (b. 1860)

Henry Edwin Larkin (January 12, 1860 – January 31, 1942) was a distinguished American professional baseball player whose impactful career spanned 10 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1883 to 1893. Primarily known as a skilled first baseman, Larkin was a prominent figure in late 19th-century baseball, a period characterized by evolving rules and the nascent professionalization of the sport. His contributions to the game left an indelible mark, highlighted by remarkable individual achievements and consistent offensive prowess.

Early Career and Notable Achievements with the Philadelphia Athletics

Larkin commenced his Major League journey at the age of 24, debuting in 1884 with the Philadelphia Athletics of the American Association. This league was a prominent rival to the National League during the 1880s. It was with the Athletics that Larkin truly established himself as a formidable hitter.

His tenure with the Philadelphia club, which lasted for six years, was marked by extraordinary offensive consistency. Larkin routinely maintained a batting average above .300, a benchmark of excellence for hitters across any era of baseball.

Record-Setting Moments

• Hitting for the Cycle (June 16, 1885): On this date, Larkin achieved one of baseball’s rarest feats by hitting for the cycle. This means he successfully hit a single, a double, a triple, and a home run all in the same game. This display of offensive versatility is a testament to his comprehensive hitting skills and remains a celebrated accomplishment in baseball history.
• Four Doubles in a Single Game (1885): In that very same year, Larkin recorded another astonishing achievement by hitting four doubles in a single game. This particular feat remains a Major League Baseball record that has been tied by numerous players throughout history but has never been surpassed, underscoring its unique difficulty and Larkin's exceptional performance that day.

The Players' League and His Star Season

In 1890, Larkin made a significant career move, transitioning to the newly formed Players' League. This short-lived but impactful league emerged from a player revolt against the restrictive practices, particularly the "reserve clause," imposed by the established National League and American Association. Players sought greater autonomy and a share in the game's burgeoning profits, leading to a competitive and exciting season.

Joining the Cleveland Infants as their star first baseman, Larkin enjoyed arguably his most statistically impressive season. He finished the 1890 campaign with a stellar .330 batting average and a career-high 112 Runs Batted In (RBI). This performance cemented his status as one of the league's premier offensive talents, showcasing his peak abilities.

Beyond his on-field heroics, Larkin also took on the dual role of managing the Cleveland Infants in 1890, demonstrating his leadership capabilities and deep understanding of the game. This dual role of star player and manager was not uncommon in the early days of professional baseball, highlighting his multifaceted contributions to the team.

Career Conclusion and Legacy

When the Players' League disbanded after just one season due to financial pressures and a lack of unified support, Larkin returned to the National League, rejoining the Philadelphia Athletics for a brief stint. He concluded his distinguished Major League career with the Washington Senators, playing his final season in 1893.

Over his decade in the majors, Henry Larkin compiled an impressive career batting average of .303. This consistent high-level hitting places him among the elite hitters of his era and underscores his reliable offensive production throughout his career, a testament to his enduring skill at the plate.

A Unique Home Run Trajectory

One of the more intriguing aspects of Larkin’s career statistics involves his home run distribution. Unlike many power hitters of his time who often benefited from favorable home park dimensions or familiar hitting conditions, Larkin exhibited a peculiar tendency: he hit more of his career home runs on the road than at his home ballparks. Of his 53 career home runs, a significant 35 were hit away from home, compared to only 18 hit in front of his home crowd. This unusual split suggests a fascinating anomaly in his hitting profile, especially considering that home runs were far less frequent in the 19th century due to different ball specifications, larger outfield dimensions, and playing styles that emphasized singles and doubles over long balls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Henry E. Larkin

When did Henry E. Larkin play professional baseball?

Henry E. Larkin played Major League Baseball for 10 seasons, from 1883 to 1893, primarily as a first baseman during the late 19th century.

What were some of Henry E. Larkin’s most notable achievements?

Larkin famously hit for the cycle on June 16, 1885. In the same year, he also set a Major League record by hitting four doubles in a single game, a record that has been tied but never broken by any other player in MLB history.

Which teams did Henry E. Larkin play for?

He spent the majority of his career with the Philadelphia Athletics (American Association), and also played for the Cleveland Infants of the Players' League, and concluded his career with the Washington Senators (National League).

What was Henry E. Larkin’s career batting average?

Henry E. Larkin maintained an impressive career batting average of .303 over his 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, consistently showcasing his hitting prowess.

Was Henry E. Larkin a manager?

Yes, in addition to his role as a star first baseman, Henry E. Larkin also served as the manager for the Cleveland Infants during the 1890 Players' League season, demonstrating his leadership on and off the field.