Minnesota Twins: Top 5 Switch-Hitters in Twins History
By Otto Johnson
Greatest Minnesota Twins Switch-Hitter No. 4: Gene Larkin (1987-2003)
Stats: 758 G, .266/.348/.374 (.723 OPS), 175 XBH (32 HR), 266 RBI, 23 SB, 268-278 BB-K, Two-Time World Series Champion
One of the glue guys that helped the Twins earn their two World Series titles, Gene Larkin was one of the most likable players from the late eighties. His stats didn’t stand out when compared to most major leaguers, but when you compare him to other Twins switch-hitters, he’s easily one of the best.
Larkin’s OPS is the fifth-highest of the Twins switch-hitters who played more than 300 games, and his 175 extra-base hits are fourth. Similar to Guzman, he didn’t have great power numbers, but differing from Guzman, he could get on base.
Larkin’s 268 walks are fourth all-time and his OBP is third among switch-hitters, proving that you don’t need a great batting average to post really solid numbers. Tack on a little speed (23 steals), and you’ve got some good numbers.
Gene Larkin was definitely one of the 50 most important players in Twins history, but his on-base skills help land him at number four on this list of the greatest switch-hitters in Minnesota Twins history.