Terry Larkin

Career

Larkin, a right-hander, debuted on May 20, 1876 for the New York Mutuals, pitching a complete game in his only appearance of the season. He pitched in 1877 for the Hartford Dark Blues, posting a 29-25 record while pitching 501 innings. He then moved to the Chicago White Stockings for the 1878 and 1879 seasons, going 29-26 in 1878 and 31-23 in 1879, pitching over 500 innings each season. Larkin was a good hitter for a pitcher and finished 8th in the National League with 32 runs batted in (RBI), while hitting for a .288 average in 1878.

In the midst of the 1879 season, Larkin developed arm trouble and the main pitching duties fell to third baseman Frank Hankinson, although Larkin continued to pitch. His arm problems worsened and after five games, the 1880 Troy Trojans released him and he was out of Major League Baseball until 1884.

Larkin made headlines on April 24, 1883 when he shot and injured his wife and a police officer, then tried to commit suicide. Failing in that, he attempted suicide again the next day. Larkin's wife refused to press charges and he was soon released by the police. Larkin was arrested again on February 18, 1884 for threatening to shoot his father. Soon released again, Larkin managed to sign and play for the Richmond Virginians of the American Association and was their everyday second baseman when they became a mid-season replacement for the disbanded Washington Nationals.

Post-career

Larkin was later institutionalized after challenging his former employer to a duel with pistols, and while apparently still hospitalized committed suicide by slitting his throat with a razor on September 16, 1894 in Brooklyn, New York. He is interred at Calvary Cemetery in Woodside, New York.