Just moments before the first pitch between the Cincinnati Reds and the Toronto Blue Jays, Joey Votto, the legendary first baseman who spent 17 remarkable seasons with the Reds, announced his retirement from baseball.
Votto had been striving to make one final comeback with the Blue Jays, the team he grew up rooting for. After signing a Minor League deal in the spring, he battled an ankle injury that sidelined him for half the season. Despite his efforts, the highly anticipated series between the Blue Jays and Reds passed without Votto getting called up from Triple-A Buffalo.
In an eight-second video filmed in a parking lot outside Buffalo’s Sahlen Field, Votto shared the news: “That’s it. I’m done. I am officially retired from baseball.”
Following his announcement, Votto made the short journey from Buffalo to Toronto, arriving at Rogers Centre just after the Reds secured an 11-7 victory over the Blue Jays. He visited the visitor’s clubhouse, reconnecting with former teammates.
“It’s really cool to be able to come to the stadium, say hello, and catch up with some of my longtime friends,” said Votto, casually dressed in a T-shirt and shorts. “I had to hustle in from Triple-A Buffalo. I was planning to watch the game, but I had some car issues.”
Votto’s decision to retire was gradual, influenced by his struggles with Triple-A Buffalo. Reflecting on a recent lunch with his family in Niagara Falls, Votto shared, “I realized I’ve been isolated for months, stuck in a hotel room with an injury and struggling in the Minors. I wasn’t performing well enough to justify it anymore.”
When a Buffalo coach asked if he wanted to pinch-hit during a recent game, Votto knew it was time to step away. “I said, ‘I’m available, but not really.’ The fans deserve to see players who are hungry and giving their best, not just going through the motions. That’s enough.”
Votto expressed disappointment that he couldn’t fulfill his dream of playing for the Blue Jays in front of family and friends. “I’m truly saddened that I couldn’t make it happen, to represent my hometown and country in a Blue Jays uniform. But I wouldn’t want to give the fans anything less than my best, and I knew I couldn’t do that.”
Reflecting on his career, Votto concluded, “I’ve had 22 years of not coming up short, so I guess I’m due.”
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Photo Credit: David Lee / Shutterstock.com