When the future of the Cincinnati Reds arrived at PNC Park in Pittsburgh for the 2006 Futures Game, it was a sight to behold. A flame-throwing first-rounder out of Texas with a blazing fastball and the guts to back it up, he was just 20 years old at the time. Little did anyone know that this young kid would go on to carry so many of the franchise’s hopes and dreams on his right arm.
In the opposite dugout that day was a different kind of player—a quiet, polite Canadian kid, a first baseman at Double-A Chattanooga. Homer Bailey was the main event, already anointed the next great Cincinnati Red. Joey Votto was the afterthought.
It was during that day that I first met Joey Votto. He was quiet, unassuming, and utterly forgettable. Little did we know that he would soon become a legend in Cincinnati baseball history.
Almost 20 years later, Joey Votto announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy that will never be forgotten. “I’m just not good anymore,” he wrote on Instagram, as he bid farewell to the game on his own terms.
Votto shared the news during a significant moment—the end of a three-game series in his hometown of Toronto, where he once dreamed of wearing a Blue Jays uniform. But Joey Votto was not one to accept charity. He demanded excellence from himself at all times, a trait that set him apart throughout his career.
Throughout his career, Joey Votto constantly evolved and pushed himself to new heights. From his MVP season in 2010 to his resurgence in his mid-30s and his impressive 36-homer season at the age of 37, Votto’s dedication to excellence never wavered.
Joey Votto was more than just a baseball player. He was a hitting savant, a true embodiment of the importance of on-base percentage over batting average. While some critics focused on what he didn’t do, Votto’s fans recognized him for the hero he truly was.
As Votto navigated the ups and downs of his career, he also showed his lighter side. From dressing up as a Mountie on the MLB Network to campaigning for his teammate to make the All-Star team, Votto brought humor and camaraderie to the game.
By the end of his tenure with the Reds, Joey Votto had become an elder statesman, respected and admired by fans and players alike. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained a shining example of perseverance and determination.
As Votto announced his retirement, he emphasized that he had always given his all to the game. While he may not have been able to meet his own expectations in the end, he had truly left his mark on the sport.
Joey Votto may have retired from baseball, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and the annals of baseball history.
(Photo: Harry How / Getty Images)
