Joey Votto, one of the most cherished faces in Cincinnati Reds history and a former MVP, has officially retired from Major League Baseball. In an emotional Instagram post, Votto simply stated, “That’s it. I’m done. I’m officially retired from baseball.”
Table of Contents
A Storied Career: 17 Years of Excellence
Joey Votto’s career is a testament to dedication, consistency, and excellence. Over 17 seasons, all spent with the Cincinnati Reds, Votto became a six-time All-Star, won a Gold Glove, and left an indelible mark on the game. His connection with fans, both in Cincinnati and across Canada, where he hails from, was unmatched.
Career Highlights:
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| MLB Debut | September 4, 2007, vs. New York Mets |
| MVP Award | 2010, National League |
| All-Star Appearances | 6-time All-Star (2010-2013, 2017, 2018) |
| Gold Glove Award | 2011, First Base |
| Silver Slugger Award | 2010, First Base |
| Career Home Runs | 356 |
| Career Batting Average | .294 |
| On-Base Percentage | .412 (Ranked 2nd among active players at retirement) |
| RBIs | 1,150 |
The Moments That Defined Joey Votto’s Career
Throughout his career, Joey Votto delivered numerous memorable moments. Here are 12 that stand out:
- First Career Home Run – Votto hit his first home run on September 5, 2007, just one day after his debut.
- 2010 MVP Season – Votto’s .324 average, 37 home runs, and 113 RBIs earned him the NL MVP.
- 2011 Gold Glove – Proved his defensive prowess by winning the Gold Glove at first base.
- 300th Home Run – On August 2, 2021, Votto became the second Reds player to hit 300 home runs.
- Walk-off Grand Slam – On April 17, 2012, Votto hit a walk-off grand slam against the Washington Nationals.
- Reaching Base Record – In 2017, Votto set a Reds record by reaching base safely in 48 consecutive games.
- 2021 Comeback Player of the Year Finalist – After a tough 2020, Votto rebounded with a stellar 2021 season.
- Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Induction – Inducted in 2021 for his contributions to Canadian baseball.
- Final Home Run at Great American Ball Park – Hit his last home run as a Red on September 28, 2023.
- Retirement Announcement – Votto retired with a heartfelt message on Instagram, marking the end of an era.
- Canadian Influence – Played a key role in inspiring young Canadian athletes.
- Last MLB Appearance – Played his final game for the Cincinnati Reds on September 30, 2023.
Votto’s Farewell Message:
In his retirement post, Votto expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him throughout his career:
“I was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything,” he wrote.
Joey Votto’s Legacy
Votto’s career statistics paint a picture of a player who was both consistent and extraordinary:
Career Statistics:
| Stat | Value | Ranking at Retirement |
|---|---|---|
| Batting Average | .294 | Top 50 |
| Home Runs | 356 | Top 100 |
| On-Base Percentage | .412 | 2nd among active players |
| RBIs | 1,150 | Top 100 |
| Hits | 2,103 | Top 200 |
Final Thoughts
Joey Votto leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations. As one of the greatest Reds players ever, his contributions to baseball, especially in Cincinnati and Canada, are immeasurable. His retirement marks the end of a glorious chapter in MLB history, but his impact on the game will continue to resonate.
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