Joey Votto announced his retirement on Monday at the age of 40 after 17 seasons in the Majors. He is the legendary first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds and six-time All-Star and the 2010 MVP in the National League. “That’s it, I’m done. I’m officially retired from baseball,” Votto said in the video from outside Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, the Blue Jays’ Triple-A affiliate. In addition, he also shares a post on Instagram, thanking several of his teammates and bidding farewell to fans after his illustrious career.
Joey Votto decided to retire due to a combination of ongoing health issues and a decline in performance. He has been struggling with an ankle injury with kept him away in the middle of the season. Votto signed a minor league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays with the hope of returning to Baseball, but he is unable to regain his previous form. His performance is not good during the Triple-A Buffalo, which makes him realize that he is unable to complete the season.
He expresses that he wants to play the game, he is passionate about the game, but his body is no longer able to meet the desire of a professional baseball player. Due to his ankle injury and low performance, he decided to retire from his baseball career.
However, Votto was known for his hitting skills, winning the National League MVP award in 2010, earning six All-Star selections, and leading the league in various statistical categories multiple times. He leaves baseball with his legacy and highly memorable moment.
With Votto’s retirement, the Reds and the larger baseball community have come to the end of an era. He was adored by teammates and spectators alike for his impact both on and off the pitch, his devotion to the game, and his distinct personality. Everybody in the baseball community respects and admires Votto as he leaves the pitch.
Joey Votto goes down in Cincinnati’s history
Votto made his debut in 2007, but since 2008 he has established himself as one of the best first basemen in the National League.
After 17 seasons, the Canadian remains the fifth player with the most hits in the history of the franchise. Only six players managed to connect with 2,000 or more hits with Cincinnati.
The first baseman was second in the franchise in home runs with 356, behind Johnny Bench with 389.
Joey Votto is one of eight first basemen to achieve: 300 home runs, 2,000 hits, 1,100 RBIs, and a career .290 batting average.
