Gene Larkin: Twins' World Series hero in 1991: former utility player drove in the winning run in Game 7 of the Fall Classic with a pinch-hit single against the Braves. (Where Are They Now?).(Brief Article)

IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT HE DOES. Shop, eat, golf, or just go for a walk. People are always shaking Gene Larkin's hand or patting him on the back.

"Every time I play golf, it happens. Just a few days ago, a gentleman I didn't know said, `Thanks a lot for '91,'" Larkin said. "People want to thank me, congratulate me or tell me how happy that hit makes them feel."

That hit.

What a hit, that hit.

It came in the bottom of the 10th inning of Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. That hit, a single to left field, came with the bases loaded and sent Dan Gladden home from third base for a 1-0 victory and the Twins' second world championship in five seasons.

"It was one of the bigger moments in my life," Larkin said. "I was a role player. An average player at best. If I didn't get this hit, I'd be just another player who had a so-so career."

Instead, he's the player who had the hit that won Game 7 of the '91 World Series.