"A certain, physics-defying geometry was at work when Barry Larkin played shortstop. How, for instance, does a man run to his left to field a ground ball, then throw back to his right while his momentum is taking him into center field?

This isn't just a highlight. It's a science project.

I saw Larkin do that 100 times. It became as common as Schottzie on Opening Day. But never routine.

On Monday, a day he'll remember always, I asked Larkin if he had his own mind's-eye memory. What does Barry Larkin see, when he sees Barry Larkin?

"I don't think there is one," he said. "I don't think there was one standout part of my game.""