Joey Votto's Career Celebrated By MLB Fans After Reds Legend Announces Retirement
August 21, 2024
Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto announced his retirement after 17 MLB seasons in an Instragram post on Wednesday, closing the book on a remarkable career that will someday land him in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
As a follow-up to his Instagram announcement, Votto shared a story of a conversation he had with his Uber driver. When the driver asked if he was a player, Votto, for likely the first time, responded with a simple "No."
On the field, Votto was sensational.
OnBaseMachine @RedsFan_BrandonReminder: Joey Votto was one of the greatest hitters to ever play the game of baseball. Top 20 in wRC+ since 1947.<br><br>Was on pace to break the single season doubles record + win his second MVP in 2012 before an injury. Should've won in 2017.<br><br>Absolute legend. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reds</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZJUKrTHdEM">pic.twitter.com/ZJUKrTHdEM</a>
Louis Addeo-Weiss @addeo_louis00Votto retires as one of 18 players with 350+ HR and a .400 or better OBP. 13 of those 18 are in the Hall of Fame, while the others are Bonds, Ramirez, Trout*, Berkman.<br><br>Votto should be first ballot when he becomes eligible.<br><br>*active <a href="https://t.co/ef0FotD2VR">https://t.co/ef0FotD2VR</a>
Mo Egger @MoEggerThere is a very, very long list of things I love about Joey Votto. <br><br>Maybe at the top of the list is the that in what will now go down as his final big league game, he got tossed. <br><br>His HOF candidacy won't be without its detractors, which is fine. <br><br>But he will get to…
However, Votto's personable nature—specifically his uncanny ability to genuinely connect with his fans, teammates and others—may be his lasting legacy. One didn't have to go far to find out how much Votto meant to people.
Reds Daily @RedsDaily4Cincinnati will always love you, <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeyVotto?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JoeyVotto</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Reds?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Reds</a> <a href="https://t.co/r4ynILLUgF">https://t.co/r4ynILLUgF</a> <a href="https://t.co/1RWvCBpCys">pic.twitter.com/1RWvCBpCys</a>
Céspedes Family BBQ @CespedesBBQVotto was a heck of a ballplayer.<br><br>But I can't stop thinking about the singular energy he carried: Funny, insightful, emotional, honest. <br><br>A kind soul, a rare bird that left baseball better than when he entered it and entertained us along the way.<br><br>What a legacy, what a run.
Brandon @DatDudeBRJoey Votto made his MLB debut when I was 10 years old and became one of my favorite players of all time. I loved the way he played the game and tried to model my game after his. A true trailblazer and a future HOF. Reds country can not say thank you enough. <a href="https://t.co/h5MJISutKp">pic.twitter.com/h5MJISutKp</a>
And so Votto rides into the sunset after a phenomenal career spanning nearly two decades. He'll undoubtedly make his home in Cooperstown, but Votto's endearing personality and down-to-Earth nature won't soon be forgotten either.
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