Reds promotional schedule: 1 item for each month we’re pumped about

Reds promotional giveaway for August – Barry Larkin dual bobblehead

Okay, we’re all excited about Barry Larkin joining the Cincinnati broadcast team, right? Well, it just so happens that one of the final promotional giveaways of the 2021 season will be a Barry Larkin dual bobblehead, celebrating the Hall of Famer’s 30-30 season in 1996.

Larkin was always a speedster on the base paths. No, he wasn’t a burner like Rickey Henderson, but Larkin had enough speed to be dangerous. Over his career, Larkin racked up 379 stolen bases, averaging 28 steals per season.

Barry Larkin was also a skilled hitter, and wasn’t afraid to show off his power. Larkin hit double-digit home runs in nine of his 19 seasons in the big leagues; a rare feat for a shortstop during his day. However, during Larkin’s magical season of 1996, the then 32-year-old smacked 33 home runs.

Larkin was the first-ever shortstop in major league history to hit 30-plus home runs and record 30-plus stolen bases in a single season. On September 22, 1996, Larkin lifted a drive over the wall in left field, his 30th home run of the season to go along with the already 36 stolen bases.

Larkin will be in the broadcast booth on a nightly basis, but on September 4th, the Cincinnati Reds will treat their fans to a dual bobblehead to commemorate one of the 12-time All-Star’s highest achievements.