Joey Votto, the 2010 National League MVP who helped the Cincinnati Reds to two National League Central titles and two more playoff appearances, has retired.
Votto signed a minor league contract with his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays in the spring. Playing 31 games across three different levels in the minors, Votto slashed .165/.298/.271 with two home runs in 85 at-bats and 104 plate appearances and was never called up.
On Tuesday, Votto posted an Instagram video with a brief spoken message.
“That’s it,” he said. “I’m done. I am officially retired from baseball.”
He said a lot more in the caption.
“Thank you to my parents, Wendy and Joe, for giving me everything I needed to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional baseball player,” the message said. “Thank you to my brother, Tyler Votto, for throwing me wiffle balls for all those years (ha ha, you are the best. I had to write this.). To Warren and Nick for the years of hitting together as high schooler’s. The Etobicoke community for supporting me as a youth player. Oakville, Queensway, Kingsway, Bloordale, Thunderbirds, and Bob Smyth and the Etobicoke Rangers for raising me as a youth baseball player. Mark Capone is STILL better.
“As a pro, Leon Roberts and Freddie Benavides were my guys. They made me who I was as a pro player. Thank you to them! As a major league player, Dusty Baker and Scott Rolen taught me how to be a pro’s pro. My man Jay Bruce, can you run? can you hit? can you throw? Then go play. So many great teammates.”
To the fans in Toronto and across Canada, Votto added, “I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I’m just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt.”
Votto also shared a message for the fans in Cincinnati.
“Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. I love you.”
He parted with a farewell message to the fans and the sport in general.
“I was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything.”
Votto debuted in the majors late in the 2007 season. In 2008, he finished second in National League Rookie of the Year voting, slashing at .297/.368/.506 with 24 home runs. Two years later, Votto made his first All-Star team, hit .324/.424/.600 with a career-high 37 home runs and won the NL MVP. He also helped the Reds win the National League Central title, giving Cincinnati its first trip to the playoffs since 1995.
Votto, who spent his entire Major League career with the Reds, retires with a career slash line of .294/.409/.511, 356 home runs, one Gold Glove Award and six All-Star Game trips.
[Joey Votto on Instagram]