Joey Votto Calls It a Career: A Legacy Cemented in Cincinnati
Wednesday marked the end of an era in Major League Baseball as Joey Votto officially announced his retirement. Votto, who spent nearly two decades as a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds, leaves behind a legacy marked by consistency, excellence, and a profound influence on the game.
Over his illustrious career, Votto carved out one of the most impressive résumés in the history of the sport. Finishing with a career batting line of .294/.409/.511, Votto's numbers translate to a 144 OPS+, a testament to his prowess at the plate.
In 2010, Votto's exceptional talent was recognized when he was named the National League MVP. Over the course of his career, he was also selected for six All-Star appearances, further cementing his status as one of the elite players of his era.
A Career of Remarkable Achievements
Votto's statistical achievements are nothing short of remarkable. He amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs, and drove in 1,144 runs while scoring 1,171 times. His efforts at the plate culminated in a 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a clear indicator of his value to the Reds over the years.
His keen eye and disciplined approach allowed Votto to lead the league in on-base percentage seven times and in walks five times. Additionally, he led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, showcasing his well-rounded offensive capabilities. Votto also topped the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ at various points in his career.
Votto's place in the history books is secure, with notable all-time rankings. He sits 42nd in on-base percentage (OBP), 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base.
The Hall of Fame Question
Among first basemen, Votto's career is particularly distinguished. He ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera and ahead of legends like Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. Impressively, Votto ranks ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in this metric, sparking widespread sentiment among baseball writers and analysts that his career merits Hall of Fame consideration.
One writer captured the sentiment succinctly: "I'm a voter for the first time this year and I can very firmly say I'm going to be a Votto voter when the time comes."
Clutch Performance
While Votto's overall playoff batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, his performance in key moments was often stellar. In the 2012 NLDS, he hit .389 with a .500 OBP. His ability to deliver in high-pressure situations was evident throughout his career. With runners in scoring position, he hit .321/.468/.574, and in high-leverage situations, he maintained a slash line of .314/.438/.562. Even in the toughest moments, with two outs and runners in scoring position, Votto hit .265 with a .458 OBP.
A Lasting Impact
Joey Votto’s career with the Cincinnati Reds is one for the ages. His dedication, skill, and consistency have left an indelible mark on the franchise and the game of baseball. As Votto steps away from the field, the baseball community reflects on a career marked by greatness, one that will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.