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Joey Votto explains his decision to retire from baseball
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    Joey Votto explains his decision to retire from baseball

    Sometimes, the most noble thing someone can do is accept their fate.

    That acceptance came to the storied Joey Votto on a regular Wednesday night in the dog days of summer. Still, part of him wished it had come a few months sooner, as he tipped his cap and waved goodbye to a familiar Cincinnati crowd cheering on a franchise legend.

    Votto made an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show on Friday to discuss his decision to leave the game behind and what his mindset has been over the course of this season.

    “There was just no interest. No major league interest in the off-season, in free agency,” Votto explained. “I reached out to the Toronto Blue Jays, my hometown team and signed a minor league contract with them. And I got hurt in Spring Training and truly, it feels like retirement since last fall.

    “It feels like my last game in Cincinnati was (my retirement). Everything went quiet, there was no interest.”

    The 40-year-old spent 17 years playing for the Reds, racking up six all-star appearances, an NL MVP and a Gold Glove in the process while tallying 356 home runs, the second-most in franchise history behind Hall-of-Famer Johnny Bench. Votto finished with his career .294/.409/.511 batting splits and led the NL in OBP seven times.

    Though Cincinnati didn’t find much post-season success while Votto played there, making only four October appearances over his 17 seasons, it was no fault of his as he finished his time there with 64.5 wins above replacement, the fourth-highest mark in franchise history.

    That sort of high-level, impactful performance is what Votto missed the most in his final showing in baseball. Unable to perform to the best of his abilities, unable to show fans the player he is and feel the roar of the crowd, he felt his time had come.

    “When you’re not on stage, nobody cares,” Votto said, elaborating on what his time in the minors was like over the past few months. “I wasn’t able to perform and compete in front of fans or on television, do interviews. Your phone goes cold. Your circle gets really, really small. It’s really felt like retirement over the last nine months.”

    His ability certainly seemed to diminish as he ground his way through the Blue Jays minor league system, playing in front of smaller crowds in Dunedin and Buffalo.

    Through 31 games between single-A and triple-A, the former MVP batted .165 with only two home runs, a far shout from what he expects of himself.

    Time catches up to everyone. And with Votto, especially after having dealt with injuries over the last few seasons, the 40 years started to show. Ailments held him to only 91 games in 2022 and 65 in 2023, and then an ankle injury in Spring Training with the Blue Jays may have put a full stop to the best of him.

    “I couldn’t stand the idea of an injury essentially crushing my competitive ability. … The idea of an injury ending my peak, my ability to compete,” Votto said.

    “I want the game to tell me I’m done.”

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    After a successful 15-year career in Major League Baseball, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has announced his decision to retire from the sport. The 38-year-old Canadian native made the announcement during a press conference at Great American Ball Park, citing a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue other interests outside of baseball.

    Votto, who was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft, made his debut with the team in 2007 and quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters in the league. Over the course of his career, Votto was a six-time All-Star, won the National League MVP award in 2010, and earned four Gold Glove awards for his defensive prowess at first base.

    In his retirement announcement, Votto expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loves at the highest level and thanked the Reds organization, his teammates, and the fans for their support throughout his career. He also spoke about the toll that the physical and mental demands of playing professional baseball had taken on him over the years, and how he felt it was time to step away from the game while he was still able to enjoy life outside of it.

    Votto’s decision to retire comes at a time when many professional athletes are choosing to prioritize their mental and physical well-being over their careers. In recent years, several high-profile athletes have spoken out about the pressures and expectations that come with being a professional athlete, and the toll that it can take on their mental health.

    While Votto’s retirement may come as a surprise to some fans, it is ultimately a personal decision that he has made in order to prioritize his own well-being and happiness. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, Votto will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear a Reds uniform, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of baseball players.

    In his retirement speech, Votto expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loves and thanked everyone who has supported him throughout his career. As he closes this chapter of his life, Votto leaves behind a legacy of excellence and sportsmanship that will be remembered for years to come.