Former Reds shortstop Larkin joins HOF

National Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Barry Larkin speaks at an inductee press conference at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Former Cincinnati Reds star Barry Larkin has been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.

With his parents and family looking on from the front row, Larkin, one of the best shortstops in major league history, spent his entire speech thanking the people that molded him.

His parents introduced him to the game at age 5. Larkin singled out former teammates Pete Rose, Buddy Bell, Eric Davis, Dave Parker and Dave Concepcion.

"My inclusion in the Hall of Fame is the ultimate validation. I want to thank you all for helping me along the way," Larkin said.

Larkin, who played his entire 19-year career with the Reds, retired after the 2004 season with a .295 career average, 2,340 hits, 1,329 runs scored and 379 stolen bases.