- “Joey Votto is one of the best hitters of this generation. His ability to control the strike zone and consistently get on base is unmatched.”
— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Analyst - “Votto is a master of his craft. He’s the kind of player who never stops thinking, always analyzing, and trying to find an edge.”
— Marty Brennaman, Hall of Fame Broadcaster
Joey Votto, a name etched deeply into the annals of baseball, bid farewell to the game in a poignant Instagram post that echoed with the weight of nearly two decades on the diamond. The former Cincinnati Reds first baseman, now 40, quietly stepped away from the sport, his last chapter written not on the field but in a heartfelt message to fans, teammates, and the cities that shaped his journey.
Votto, who hadn’t graced an MLB field since his final season with the Reds in 2023, had made one last attempt to rekindle his career with his hometown Toronto Blue Jays. Yet, the dream of donning their colors in the big leagues never materialized, leaving the six-time All-Star and former National League MVP to reflect on a career that was as storied as it was steadfast.
Joey Votto has officially announced his retirement, and when he met with the media he explained his decision to step away from the game of baseball. #Reds pic.twitter.com/bQWKg7soaz
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) August 22, 2024
His statistics tell one part of the tale— a .294 batting average, an OPS of .920, and 356 home runs scattered across 2,056 games—but they only skim the surface of what Votto meant to the sport. For 17 seasons, all spent in the Queen City of Cincinnati, he was a constant, a figure who carried the weight of expectation with a quiet grace that belied the ferocity of his bat.
In his farewell, Votto turned inward, offering a window into the heart that beat beneath the uniform. To Toronto and Canada, he confessed a lingering regret, a deep desire to play for his people that, in the end, went unfulfilled. “Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt,” he wrote, his words heavy with the melancholy of dreams unmet.
But it was Cincinnati that held the core of his affection. “Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. I love you,” he declared, a simple yet profound statement that captured the essence of his loyalty to the city that had become his second skin.
Joey Votto announces that he is officially retiring from baseball. 🐐⚾ #Reds pic.twitter.com/UZhZE4Pu4m
— Cincinnati 💔 (@CincyProblems) August 21, 2024
Votto’s message extended beyond the cities, reaching out to the fans who had cheered and jeered in equal measure. He relished in the duality of their reactions, finding a strange comfort in the boos that echoed through enemy stadiums. “You energized me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments where I broke a road city’s moment, or was humbled on stage,” he reflected, a smile almost audible in his words as he recalled standing at the plate in Wrigley Field, absorbing the crowd’s disdain as if it were a validation of his place in the game. “I remember standing at the plate, smiling and thinking, this is my home. I belong here. 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.”
Joey Votto announced his retirement. Really glad I was able to be there for his final game. My favorite Red as an adult. pic.twitter.com/LoRglTaQhd
— Brian Baute (@BrianBaute) August 22, 2024
As the curtain falls on Votto’s career, the statistics he leaves behind are formidable: the Reds’ second all-time leader in home runs, trailing only the legendary Johnny Bench, with 2,135 career hits and 1,144 RBIs, ranking him fifth and third in franchise history, respectively. Yet, numbers alone cannot encapsulate the man who played with a fire that burned from within, a relentless pursuit of excellence that made him a fixture in the hearts of fans.
Joey Votto wasn’t just a player; he was a symbol of what it means to give oneself entirely to a craft, to a team, to a city. His retirement is not just the end of a career but the closing of a chapter in the story of a franchise, a city, and a sport that will remember him not just for the runs he batted in, but for the man he was, both on and off the field. As he steps away, Votto leaves behind a legacy not just of numbers, but of a life lived fully in the service of the game he loved.
Quotes
- “What makes Votto special is not just his talent, but his approach. He’s meticulous, almost obsessive, about perfecting his game.”
— Brian Kenny, MLB Network - “Joey Votto doesn’t just play the game; he studies it, he loves it, and he respects it. You can see that every time he steps on the field.”
— Dusty Baker, Former Reds Manager - “Votto is the rare player who combines power with patience. He’s always been one of the toughest outs in the game.”
— Joe Maddon, MLB Manager
Major Points
- Joey Votto, a Cincinnati Reds legend, announced his retirement from baseball at age 40, reflecting on a 17-year career spent entirely with the Reds.
- Votto’s career stats—.294 batting average, .920 OPS, and 356 home runs—highlight his exceptional performance, but his impact on the game goes far beyond numbers.
- In a heartfelt Instagram post, Votto expressed regret over not playing for his hometown Toronto Blue Jays, while also affirming his deep love for Cincinnati.
- Votto’s connection with fans, both supportive and antagonistic, played a central role in his career, with memorable moments at stadiums like Wrigley Field.
- As the second all-time home run leader in Reds history, Votto’s retirement marks the end of an era for the franchise, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, passion, and a profound love for the game.
James Kravitz – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
