Joey Votto, a long-time Cincinnati Reds first baseman, has announced his retirement from professional baseball. The 40-year-old, known for his impressive career achievements including six All-Star selections and the 2010 NL MVP award, shared the news through a social media video and a written post. Votto expressed gratitude for his career and reflected on his commitment to the sport, stating that he gave his all every day.
Following the video announcement, Votto traveled to Toronto, where he visited the Cincinnati Reds’ clubhouse after their victory against the Blue Jays. He took this opportunity to reconnect with former teammates and manager David Bell and addressed reporters about his decision to retire.
Votto had recently signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays but struggled with performance issues, which contributed to his decision.
Votto’s stint with the Blue Jays’ Triple-A team was marked by difficulty, as he posted a disappointing batting record of .143 with just one home run and four RBIs in 15 games.
Despite his efforts, he admitted to struggling significantly and feeling that he was no longer performing at a major league level. This realization played a crucial role in his decision to retire, as he felt he was no longer meeting the standards expected at the professional level.
Despite retiring, Votto expressed a sense of regret about not being able to play for the Blue Jays in his home city of Toronto. He had hoped to finish his career playing in front of his family and fellow Canadians but acknowledged that his performance did not meet his expectations. His retirement marks the end of a notable career that began when he was drafted by the Reds in 2002.
Over his 17-season career with the Reds, Votto compiled impressive statistics, including a .294 batting average, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs. His contributions to the game were widely recognized, with accolades such as leading the NL in on-base percentage seven times and winning a Gold Glove in 2011. Both Reds and Blue Jays managers praised Votto’s career, highlighting his impact and legacy in the sport.
