Baseball Hall of Famer Barry Larkin, a celebrated figure with the Cincinnati Reds, has thrown his weight behind the Orlando Dreamers in their ambitious mission to establish a Major League Baseball team in Orlando.
Barry Larkin’s Role
In a fresh announcement, Larkin expressed his firm belief in Orlando’s potential to become a top-tier destination for an MLB franchise, underscoring the city’s appeal as a valuable market for league expansion.
Stepping into the role of MLB Ambassador for the Dreamers, Larkin is set to facilitate crucial communication and relationship-building between the organization and MLB.
His strategic insights will be invaluable as the Dreamers drive their baseball ambitions forward.
Larkin’s dedication to this initiative has already led to productive discussions with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, during which they delved into the future plans of the Dreamers and the tactics necessary to achieve their vision.
Community Support and Investment
While Larkin’s athletic legacy is deeply anchored in Cincinnati—where he spent an impressive 19 seasons with the Reds—he has made Orlando his home, raising his family in this dynamic city post-retirement.
The Dreamers, co-founded in 2019 by the late Pat Williams—who was also instrumental in establishing the Orlando Magic—and Jim Schnorf, are committed to bringing MLB to the area.
Schnorf noted that Larkin’s participation has sparked remarkable interest among potential investors, showcasing robust community backing.
Recently, Schnorf revealed that local investors have committed more than $200 million towards minority ownership in this venture.
Furthermore, he announced an institutional group ready to contribute an additional $250 million to support the team’s formation.
The Future of MLB in Orlando
Commissioner Manfred has voiced his enthusiasm for expanding Major League Baseball, aiming to finalize locations for two new franchises by the time he exits in 2029.
Orlando is a prime candidate, aligning with his goal of establishing at least one team within the eastern time zone.
Throughout his impressive career, Larkin collected 12 All-Star selections, secured the National League MVP award in 1995, and celebrated a World Series title in 1990.
He holds an impressive ranking as second on the Reds’ all-time hits list and seventh for RBIs in the franchise’s history.
With an optimistic outlook on the possibilities that lie ahead, Larkin is fully committed to pushing the Dreamers’ mission forward, igniting enthusiasm within the community and uniting support for the dream of Major League Baseball in Orlando.
