Henry Larkin

Henry E. Larkin
(Ted)

• Bats Right, Throws Right
• Height 5' 10", Weight 175 lb.

• Debut May 1, 1884
• Final Game August 4, 1893
• Born January 12, 1860 in Reading, PA USA
• Died January 31, 1942 in Reading, PA USA

BR page

Biographical Information

"Ted Larkin . . . was the Babe Ruth of his day in the old American Association . . ." - The Reading Eagle, Aug. 2, 1937

Henry Larkin, normally referred to as "Ted" or "Teddy", was an excellent player who spent most of his major league career in the American Association. His Adjusted OPS was 142, ranking #74 on the all-time list through 2024. He was close to being as good as his contemporaries Pete Browning and Dave Orr.

He worked as a boilermaker and played amateur ball with the Hibernians in the late 1870's. In 1881 he began play as a second baseman for the professional Actives of Reading, an independent team. He was paid $4,200 to play in 1890. Source: Interview with Larkin in The Reading Eagle, Jan. 29, 1937.

There is one Hall of Famer on the list of the most similar players, that being Ross Youngs, although Larkin has a higher Adjusted OPS+.

In the off-season, it was said he swung a sledge hammer in a boiler shop. Regarding politics, in 1892 he openly supported Grover Cleveland. Ted was said to be a good-natured fellow.

Notable Achievements

• AA Doubles Leader (1885 & 1886)
• 100 Runs Scored Seasons: 4 (1885-1887 & 1889)
• 100 RBI Seasons: 2 (1888 & 1890)

Related Sites

• Henry Larkin baseball card, from 1888, as captain of the A's

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