Barry Larkin wanted to be a shortstop ever since he was a kid watching his idol, Ozzie Smith, on television. Growing up in the Cincinnati suburbs, Larkin wanted to play for the legendary Cincinnati Reds, replace Dave Concepcion at short and become the greatest shortstop in Reds history. He accomplished that and then some.
Cedric Mullins left no doubt who is the most deserving all-star candidate to represent Birdland last weekend in Charm City. Mullins blasted four home runs in the first two games of a Father’s Day weekend series in Camden Yards against the Toronto Blue Jays.
While helping the Baltimore Orioles end an eight-game losing streak with a 7-1 win Friday night, Mullins had his third multi-home run game of the season and ended up having to tip his cap by the end of Friday night as the fans began chanting “M-V-P” for the effort.
The Birds centerfielder tied the 25-year old franchise record for most multi-home runs by a leadoff batter with Brady Anderson who set the standard in 1996 with three. After the series opener, Mullins was leading the American League in hits and batting average despite not having a murderous row protecting him in the lineup.
“He’s playing like an All-Star,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said . “He just walks around differently. He’s playing with a ton of confidence. He’s gotten better in every single way. His swing is so short right now … I’m really impressed with how far he’s come in two years. It’s amazing, the difference.”
On Saturday, Mullins would separate himself from Anderson in the O’s record books with two more home runs as Orioles Park became the launching pad for both teams once the heat of summer returned to Eutaw Street.
