Barry Larkin's face broke into a huge smile when he learned that Double-A infielder Gookie Dawkins will be named to the U.S. Olympic baseball team today. Larkin played on the U.S. squad in 1984.

        “It's a wonderful thing. It's a confidence boost,” Larkin said. “It shows people appreciate and recognize what you do and think well enough of you to put you on that team.”

        Dawkins could use a lift, as Reds general manager Jim Bowden said a week and a half ago when he conveyed the organization's “blessing” to let the 21-year-old play in Sydney. Deemed one of Cincinnati's top prospects, Dawkins entered Tuesday hitting only .237 and had committed 19 errors in 87 games while splitting time between second base and shortstop.

        The Olympic experience, Larkin said, can only further Dawkins' development.

        “When I was on the Olympic team, I was 19. I didn't have the experience that Gookie has at this point in this career,” Larkin said. “I learned a lot from playing with some of the guys that were there.”

        That team included Mark McGwire and Will Clark.

        Also, Olympic baseball has become more intense since Larkin's day, when it was still an exhibition sport.

        “Professional athletes are playing in it now; that goes to show you,” Larkin said. “I think if professional athletes were playing in it when I was at that point, I don't think I would have had the opportunity.”

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