Joey Votto Bids Farewell: A Look Back at a Legendary Career
Joey Votto, the stalwart first baseman who spent 17 illustrious seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. At 40 years old, Votto leaves behind a legacy characterized by remarkable consistency, exemplary sportsmanship, and a slew of accolades that etch his name in the annals of baseball history.
Drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft by the Reds, Votto made his debut in September 2007 at the age of 23. His auspicious rookie year saw him slashing .321/.360/.548 in 89 plate appearances, quickly making a mark and finishing second in the National League Rookie of the Year voting the following season. It was a preview of what was to come.
Votto's career is a testament to his proficiency with the bat and keen eye at the plate. Over the span of his career, he achieved a slash line of .294/.409/.511, earning him a 144 OPS+. His keen on-base skills were highlighted by leading the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. His ability to impact the game in various ways also saw him leading the league in OPS twice, slugging percentage, doubles, WAR, and OPS+ each once.
From 2009 to 2017, Votto was an offensive powerhouse, boasting a slash line of .315/.436/.545 and a 162 OPS+. During this period, he received numerous accolades, including the coveted 2010 National League MVP award. Not just a one-time star, Votto finished in the top seven of MVP voting in five additional seasons, including runner-up in 2017 and third in 2015.
His career totals are nothing short of impressive: 2,135 hits, 459 doubles, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, 1,171 runs, and a 64.5 WAR. These numbers place him among the elite in Reds' history, ranking second in on-base percentage, doubles, total bases, home runs, OPS, extra-base hits, and times on base. Remarkably, he is the all-time Reds leader in walks and ranks fourth in career WAR for the franchise. His defensive prowess was also acknowledged with a Gold Glove award.
Despite the personal accolades and records, Votto's contributions to the Reds cannot be overstated. He was a six-time All-Star, consistently providing the team with a reliable presence both on and off the field. Though the Reds often found themselves in rebuilding phases during his tenure, Votto's professionalism and dedication never wavered, marking him as a beacon of consistency and a role model for younger players.
In the offseason, Votto signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, hoping for a potential comeback. However, he did not make it back to the majors in 2024, leading to his decision to step away from the game. Though his final chapter as a player didn't unfold as he might have hoped, his career remains a mosaic of brilliant moments and significant achievements.
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds. His departure leaves a void that will be felt by fans and the organization alike. Yet, his influence extends beyond the field, as his approach to the game and leadership qualities set a high standard for future generations who don the Reds uniform. Joey Votto's legacy is secure—one of a player who exemplified excellence, resilience, and a profound love for the game.