Larkin says he won't return to the Reds

CINCINNATI (AP) Barry Larkin tells The Associated Press he will not be offered another contract by the Cincinnati Reds, ending his 19-year tenure with his hometown team. <br/><br/>The shortstop says he

Tuesday, October 12th 2004, 2:11 pm

By: News On 6

CINCINNATI (AP) Barry Larkin tells The Associated Press he will not be offered another contract by the Cincinnati Reds, ending his 19-year tenure with his hometown team.

The shortstop says he was informed of the team's decision in a phone call earlier today.

The 40-year-old Larkin grew up in Cincinnati and has spent his entire career with the Reds.

He helped the team win a World Series title in 1990 and won the N-L's most valuable player award in 1995.

Limited by injuries in recent years, Larkin decided to make the 2004 season his last. But after hitting .289 and making the All-Star team, he reconsidered and asked for one more season.