CINCINNATI

There are a lot of local sports heroes to be lauded in a place like this but, today, I choose a family -

the Larkins.  I think they could challenge for the greatest sports family of all time.

I'll start with Mike Larkin, you may not be familiar with him.  He is the eldest of the boys.  He starred in football at Moeller High School and received a full scholarship to Notre Dame.  He was their starting outside backer as a sophomore but, after being named captain, had little playing time his junior and senior years due to injury.  He got a tryout with the Buffalo Bills but the injury bug did him in.  

Barry Larkin came next.  He played all sports at Moeller and accepted a football scholarship to the University of Michigan.  Once there, he decided to concentrate on baseball full time.  He was a two-time All-American, played in the college world series and on the U.S. Olympic team. He was named Big 10 player of the year - twice.  Of course, he starred with the Cincinnati Reds, won a National League Most Valuable Player award, several silver slugger awards, several gold glove awards, a Roberto Clemente award, played in and won a World Series, and was elected to the MLB Hall of Fame.  I think he is the odds-on favorite to be the next Reds manager.

Byron Larkin followed.  He played basketball at Moeller and went on to play at Xavier University.  Byron is that school's all-time leading scorer.   During his college career, he was named to numerous All-American teams.  Byron played professionally in South America for a number of years.  He is now the radio color commentator for his Alma Mater.

Stephen Larkin was the next brother.  Stephen accepted a baseball scholarship to the University of Texas.  He played first base for them and played in the college world series two years in a row.  He played professional baseball in the Reds organization and enjoyed one call-up to the big club.

Michael has a son named Austin who played defensive end for the Purdue Boilermakers and is eligible for the NFL draft this year.  

Right now, in the NBA, you'll find Shane Larkin on the Boston Celtics roster.  The guard who played collegiate ball at the University of Miami is the son of Barry Larkin.  

The Larkins have a cousin who also grew up in Cincinnati and went to St. Xavier High School.  Another Michael, he is now a starting wide receiver for the Miami University Redhawks.  Two other cousins, Jeff and Jeremy, who graduated from LaSalle High School in Cincinnati played basketball and football in college.

I hope that's enough to convince you they are special.