Joey Votto, who played all 17 seasons of his Major League Baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds, is retiring.
“That is it. I am done. “I’m officially retired from baseball,” Votto said in an Instagram video on Wednesday.
Despite his brief retirement announcement, Votto supplemented his video with a lengthy message expressing gratitude to the game of baseball and everyone who helped him during his 17-year career in Cincinnati. “I was true to myself in this sport. I was able to be my most best self. I gave this sport every ounce of my body, heart, and mind. “Thank you for everything.”
Votto, who turns 41 on September 10, said, “Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. “I love you.”
Votto thanked his family, friends, past teammates, and managers, notably Dusty Baker, who managed the Reds from 2008 to 2013, and former Reds third baseman Scott Rolen (2009–2012). Votto stated that Baker and Rolen “taught me how to be a pro’s pro.”
The Reds drafted Votto out of high school with the 44th overall pick in the 2002 MLB Draft. He made his major league debut on September 4, 2007, against the New York Mets, and hit a home run in his second at-bat. (He struck out on his first attempt.) During his 17-year Reds career, Votto had a.294 batting average, 356 home runs, 1,144 RBIs, and a.409 on-base percentage in 2,056 games. He was awarded NL MVP in 2010, Gold Glove winner in 2011, and has six MLB All-Star nominations, the most recent in 2018.
“To all MLB fans. You invigorated me with your applause, and I enjoyed the boos, trash talk, and occasions when I broke a road (city) record or was humbled on stage,” Votto wrote. “I’ll never forget my first visit to Wrigley Field, when the crowd stood and cheered for my failure. I recall standing at the plate, smiling, and thinking, “This is home.” “I belong here.”
Following an injury-plagued 2023 season, Votto became a free agency for the first time since signing a 10-year, $225 million contract extension with the Reds in 2012. The Toronto native signed a minor-league contract with the Blue Jays in March, hoping to work his way back to the majors. But he eventually chose to make it a career.
“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I did my best to play for my folks. Votto wrote, “I’m just not good anymore.” “Thank you for all the support during my attempt.”
MLB paid tribute to Votto on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “.@JoeyVotto was one of a kind. Congratulations on an amazing career, Joey.” The Reds, added, “We love you too, Joey.”
