September 28, 201411 yr Concepcion was better than both! Nah, I'd take Ozzie Smith. Gary Templeton could hit for a shortstop, so there is that.
September 28, 201411 yr Jeter for all the reason mentioned above, plus one: He played shortstop for the Yankees for 20 years and no one really ripped him. He must have been getting it done. It's New York, and the Yankees, if you aren't great they'll let you know yesterday. Whatever numbers he put up, seemed to keep NY fans happy. That's rare when you play there as long as he did. Larkin on the other hand had the luxury of playing in his hometown, with fans who want to adore their sports stars, until you make them turn on you. Not a knock on Larkin by any means, who was a great player. But, one guy played in a pressure cooker and the other played in a hand-basket.
September 29, 201411 yr I know the Reds thought about drafting Jeter, and they almost drafted Nomar the year before I believe, but they went with Larkin instead of Jeter and it's pretty tough to say it was a bad pick when you are talking about a hall of famer.
September 29, 201411 yr Their numbers are very similar, besides Jeter having 1,100 more hits than Larkin (30 more per year). Playing in NY Jeter had way more pressure and critics. He had better supporting casts throughout his career. He played in a better division. What puts Jeter over the top for me is how clutch he was in the big moments. Yes, he may have had more of those opportunities than Larkin due to his supporting cast but that's how it goes. So many plays standout to me: the game tying "HR" vs the O's, landing face first in the bleachers attempting to catch a foul ball, the flip to the plate vs the A's, hit a HR in games 1,000 and 2,000 of his career, the knock against the Sox in 99 to tie the game in the 7th, and...of course, the night he became "Mr November" with a walkoff HR vs Kim in the '01 WS.
September 29, 201411 yr ... I find it hard to believe in any corner of America (outside of the general Cincinnati foot-print) would this even be a debate.
September 30, 201411 yr ... I find it hard to believe in any corner of America (outside of the general Cincinnati foot-print) would this even be a debate. So far by my count everyone in this thread that took Larkin is a Reds fan, well except PP82. Not sure if he is a Reds fan but know he doesn't care too much for Jeter.
September 30, 201411 yr So far by my count everyone in this thread that took Larkin is a Reds fan, well except PP82. Not sure if he is a Reds fan but know he doesn't care too much for Jeter. I'm an enormous Reds' fan and Barry's brother is a good friend -- and I think the debate is silly.
September 30, 201411 yr So far by my count everyone in this thread that took Larkin is a Reds fan, well except PP82. Not sure if he is a Reds fan but know he doesn't care too much for Jeter. Not this guy. Loved watching Barry Larkin play.
September 30, 201411 yr I'll take Jeter over just about anyone who played the game. And I hate the darn Yankees.
September 30, 201411 yr Not this guy. Loved watching Barry Larkin play. Not taking Barry? Or not a Reds fan?
September 30, 201411 yr I'm an enormous Reds' fan and Barry's brother is a good friend -- and I think the debate is silly. Silly, how many Hall of Fame shortstops are there? Rizzuto v Jeter for best Yankee shortstop, that is silly. This one has merit. Nobody has said a word about Ripken yet, and his offensive numbers, especially power #s are incredible considering the bulk of his prime was the 80s.
September 30, 201411 yr Silly, how many Hall of Fame shortstops are there? Rizzuto v Jeter for best Yankee shortstop, that is silly. This one has merit. Nobody has said a word about Ripken yet, and his offensive numbers, especially power #s are incredible considering the bulk of his prime was the 80s. Jeter vs Ripken would certainly be a more interesting debate. In my opinion. There are currently 22 shortstops enshrined in Cooperstown. You think Jeter vs Larkin is an interesting debate, I don't, no harm.
October 2, 201411 yr Silly, how many Hall of Fame shortstops are there? Rizzuto v Jeter for best Yankee shortstop, that is silly. This one has merit. Nobody has said a word about Ripken yet, and his offensive numbers, especially power #s are incredible considering the bulk of his prime was the 80s. Honus Wagner Cal Ripken Robin Yount
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