Barry Larkin ’82 Inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame

Mike Cameron reflected on the recent induction of Barry Larkin ’82 into the Baseball Hall of Fame held in Cooperstown, NY, on July 22, 2012. Both Mike and Paul Smith, accompanied by their wives, attended the festivities that were full of emotion and heartwarming to a coach, teacher and friend.

“Even though I was at his induction into the highest honor given by professional baseball, I'm still trying to come to the realization that I coached a Hall of Famer,” says Mike. “When I started coaching I was hoping to coach an all‐league player. Knowing that I was a small part of Barry's career makes me very proud, not only for myself, but for all those coaches who had a part of Barry's journey to Cooperstown.

Barry too, was proud and thankful. “Any Moeller High School people in the house? I want to thank the staff for their leadership. Gerry Faust, Ted Bacigalupo, Mike Cameron, Paul Smith,” said Larkin during his acceptance speech.

Paul Smith was in awe and thought the experience was just incredible. “There were so many choke filled moments for me. Seeing all those members of the Hall of Fame that I worshipped and grew up with as a child really brought me back to my childhood,” said Smith. “Boy did I love that. Seeing the blank spot where Barry's plaque will be hung really got to me. To think that a little boy that I first met at age 12 would be a member of the Hall of Fame is still kind of difficult to grasp. Listening to Barry's speech echoed the same enthusiasm that he had when he was a kid. What a class act. I am truly happy for Barry and his family.”

Many members of the Moeller community made the trek to Cooperstown and none were as delighted to attend as Nick Haverkos and his brother.

It was a great weekend celebrating both the rich tradition of Moeller High School Baseball and the career of a great man.