Six-time MLB All-Star Joey Votto has made the decision to step away from the game of baseball, as the first baseman now finishes his 17-year career only playing for the Cincinnati Reds (2007-2024).
Joey Votto has announced his retirement via his Instagram after 17 seasons, six All-Star selections, a Gold Glove, and 2010 NL MVP honors. 👏 pic.twitter.com/jFyhqIXLL8
— MLB (@MLB) August 21, 2024
Votto will always be remembered as one of the franchise's all-time great players, considering that the potential future Hall of Famer ends his career ranked second in home runs (356), third in RBI's (1,144) and fourth in runs scored (1,171). To note, he also accumulated 2,135 hits (5th-most) with a .294 career batting average.
Just a reminder that Joey Votto was ejected in his final major league game.
Ump show never dies pic.twitter.com/GRbey3FeLK
— ATBBTTR (@ATBBTTR) August 21, 2024
The retirement was announced in Joey Votto fashion, as he filmed himself outside Sahlen Field, which is where his minor league team, the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays' Triple-A affiliate) play.
"That's it — I'm done. I'm officially retired from baseball."
Wow.
Joey Votto just announced on his IG he’s officially retired from baseball.
The future HOFer is done. Cape hung up. #Reds pic.twitter.com/Nvmkt5KCzH
— Nati Sports (@Nati_Sports) August 21, 2024
On his Instagram page, where he made the announcement, the Toronto, Canada native also wrote a farewell message to his fans.
Joey Votto shares a heartfelt message as he announces his retirement pic.twitter.com/aKzGQ4k3Xx
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) August 21, 2024
In view of his career accolades, Votto was selected to six All-Star games, earned a Gold Glove award (2011), and was named 2010 NL MVP. Not to mention, he was also the current active leader in MLB walks at the time of his retirement (1,365).
Over the years fans and teammates not only got to witness his stellar on-the-field play, but what really separated Votto was his endearing personality.
The game is going to miss Joey Votto 🥹 pic.twitter.com/qNeO3x69W3
— MLB (@MLB) August 21, 2024
Ultimately, his legacy will live on, as Votto embodied what it meant to be a class-act Major League first baseman in every aspect of the game.
There will never be another Joey Votto pic.twitter.com/aOjurcP9ni
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) August 21, 2024
