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Joey Votto Retires from MLB After 17 Seasons

Joey Votto Retires, news

Joey Votto Retires from MLB After 17 Seasons

August 21, 2024

Joey Votto is hanging up the cleats.

The Canadian star announced on Instagram on Wednesday that he is retiring from baseball.

“That’s it, I’m done. I’m officially retired from baseball,” Votto, 40, says in a nine-second video shot at Buffalo’s Sahlen Field

Votto was playing for the Toronto Blue Jays‘ triple-A affiliate in Buffalo after signing a minor-league contract with the club prior to this season.

The Toronto native signed with his hometown club after spending his entire 17-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds.

But Votto tweaked his ankle during his first spring-training game and never found top form in the minors.

The infielder slashed .165/.298/.271 with two homers and 12 RBIs in 31 games with three minor-league clubs this season. The retirement ends questions about whether the out-of-contention Blue Jays would have considered calling Votto up before the end of the season to play for his hometown team.

“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you,” Votto said in the caption of his Instagram post. “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.”

In his prime, Votto was one of the best players in baseball.

A six-time All-Star, Votto was National League MVP in 2010. He will finish with a lifetime .920 OPS in MLB.

After 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto has announced his retirement. The 38-year-old Canadian slugger made the announcement on social media, thanking fans, teammates, and the organization for their support throughout his career.

Votto was drafted by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 MLB Draft and made his debut in 2007. He quickly established himself as one of the premier hitters in the league, winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in his debut season. Votto went on to become a six-time All-Star, a former National League MVP, and a Gold Glove winner.

Throughout his career, Votto was known for his exceptional plate discipline and ability to get on base. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times and finished with a career OBP of .421, which ranks among the best in MLB history. Votto was also a prolific hitter, finishing his career with a .304 batting average, 2,000 hits, and 319 home runs.

In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Votto was also known for his leadership and dedication to the game. He was a mentor to younger players and a respected figure in the Reds clubhouse. Votto’s work ethic and commitment to excellence were evident throughout his career, earning him the respect of fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

In his retirement announcement, Votto expressed gratitude for the opportunity to play the game he loves at the highest level. He thanked his family, coaches, teammates, and fans for their support and encouragement over the years. Votto also expressed excitement for the next chapter of his life, saying that he looks forward to spending more time with his family and pursuing other interests outside of baseball.

As one of the greatest players in Reds history, Joey Votto leaves behind a lasting legacy that will be remembered by fans for years to come. His impact on the game of baseball and the Cincinnati community will not be forgotten, and he will always be remembered as a true professional and a class act both on and off the field. Congratulations to Joey Votto on an outstanding career, and best wishes for a happy and fulfilling retirement.