Fans in the stands came up with their own political ticket, including Larkin and fan favorite Sean Casey for President and VP. (Enquirer photo/MICHAEL E. KEATING)

A crowd of 30,854 at Great American Ball Park rose to its feet Sunday when Larkin left the game in the fourth inning.

Larkin, a 40-year-old free agent who has spent all of his 19 years with the Reds, wants to come back. But Reds' management hasn't determined whether the Cincinnati native fits in with future plans.

The clear consensus from fans is that they want their team captain back.

"The guy can still play. It would be shame to see him play in any other uniform," said 55-year-old Dennis Caylor of Independence, who draped a 24-foot-long banner across the upper-deck bleachers in left field that said, "Go Reds-Go Barry."

Reds broadcaster Joe Nuxhall, who is retiring, also got an ovation Sunday, a day that saw the Reds lose 2-0 to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The moments were bittersweet, much like the season.

After a strong start, the Reds nose-dived because of pitching woes and injuries to key players. Fans on Sunday lamented that Larkin's status for next year is hardly the only question that must be answered.

Sean Casey, another fan favorite, could be on the trading block, a move that might free up first base for injury-plagued outfielder Ken Griffey Jr.

"The can't lose Casey," said 26-year-old Curt Corbin of Hebron. "He's the backbone of this team."

Greg Reissland of North College Hill said he wants to see the Reds shop for free-agent pitchers.

"Pitching is a never-ending problem for this team," Reissland, 30, said. "They can compete next year if they get some pitching and stay healthy."

Looking back on the 2004 season, there were some bright spots. Fans were especially excited about the hustle and grit of utility player Ryan Freel and the emergence of outfielder Wily Mo Pena as a big home run hitter.

"Wily Mo is the man!" Corbin said.

Wait 'til next year.

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E-mail mleingang@enquirer.com

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