Joey Votto, a beloved slugger and Cincinnati Reds legend, has bid farewell to the diamond, bidding farewell at 40 after a successful 17-season career.
Joey Votto, the man who has graced the hearts of Cincinnati baseball fans for nearly two decades, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. The 40-year-old, in a heartfelt message posted on social media Wednesday, declared his departure from the diamond, expressing gratitude and reminiscing on his extraordinary journey.
Votto's announcement marked the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds, a team with which he has been synonymous throughout his 17-season career. The Toronto native, drafted in the second round in 2002, spent his entire MLB tenure with the Reds, cementing an unbreakable bond with the organization and its fans.
Farewell to a Cincinnati Icon: Joey Votto Retires from Major League Baseball
"That's it, I'm done," Votto declared in a brief video posted on his Instagram outside the stadium of the Buffalo Bisons, the Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate, where he played this season. "I'm officially retired from baseball."
With a heavy heart, Votto expressed his gratitude to the people who shaped his baseball odyssey. His parents, Wendy and Joe, received heartfelt thanks for fostering his dream of becoming a professional baseball player. His brother, Tyler, was recognized for his unwavering support, while his high school hitting partners, Warren and Nick, were fondly remembered.
Farewell to a Cincinnati Icon: Joey Votto Retires from Major League Baseball
Cincinnati has been the stage for Votto's baseball artistry, where he established himself as one of the franchise's all-time greats. Over 2,056 games with the Reds, he amassed a remarkable .294/.409/.511 batting line and a .920 career OPS, leaving an enduring mark on the team's legacy.
In his retirement message, Votto acknowledged the influential figures who guided him throughout his career. Dusty Baker and Scott Rolen, he said, instilled in him the values of professionalism, while Jay Bruce's infectious enthusiasm inspired him to always give it his all.
Farewell to a Cincinnati Icon: Joey Votto Retires from Major League Baseball
Despite his outstanding accomplishments in Cincinnati, Votto harbored a desire to play before his hometown crowd. "Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you," he confessed. "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."
Votto's love for the game shone through his heartfelt message. "I'll never forget, early in my career, my first time at Wrigley field and the crowd standing and cheering toward my failure," he recalled. "I remember standing at the plate, smiling and thinking, this is my home. I belong here."
As Votto turns the page on his baseball chapter, he leaves behind an impressive legacy. With 2,135 hits, 356 homers, and 1,144 RBIs, he has etched his name among the sport's elite. His exceptional eye at the plate, with five NL walks titles to his credit, stands as a testament to his patience and discipline.
In addition to his on-field accolades, Votto will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to the sport. "I was myself in this sport," he reflected. "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, a true baseball legend, may have bid farewell to the diamond, but his legacy will endure for generations to come. As the curtain falls on his illustrious career, Cincinnati and the baseball world at large pay tribute to a player who embodied sportsmanship, excellence, and a profound love for the game.
