Joey Votto opened as much as reporters about his resolution to retire from baseball on Thursday.
The 40-year-old first baseman stated he concluded that the sport had handed him by and it was time to step away from the sport after 17 seasons within the massive leagues.
“There was some big moments in Buffalo that I heard groans after outs,” Votto stated. “When I was playing for (Triple-A) Louisville last year, groans or dissatisfaction after outs in big situations.”
“The game is faster. I’m not fast,” he continued. “This game is about more dynamic defense. The game has changed over the course of the back quarter of my career. I’m slower. And the one thing that I could attempt to do is perform offensively. And I’ve been awful, especially for my position. So, at some point the writing’s on the wall. And… I’m good.”
Earlier than asserting his retirement this week, Votto spent the 2024 season within the Blue Jays’ minor league system, attempting to work his means again to the highest stage.
Votto spent his complete MLB profession with the Reds, hitting 356 profession dwelling runs with a .294/.409/.511 slash line.
On the sphere, he was maybe finest identified for his self-discipline on the plate, main the Nationwide League in OBP seven occasions and strolling greater than 1,300 occasions in his profession.
“I’ve become a man in this sport,” Votto stated. “I’ve built so many bonds and my character has changed, and I’m just so thankful to have had the opportunity. I’m so humbled by where this game has taken me.”
Votto formally introduced that he was hanging up his cleats on Wednesday in a prolonged Instagram submit, exhibiting gratitude towards his household and pals out and in of baseball for making his profession doable, together with former Reds teammate Jay Bruce and ex-skipper Dusty Baker.
“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you,” he wrote. “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. Cincinnati, I’ve only played for you. I love you. Finally, to the MLB fans. You energized me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments where I broke a road cities moment, or was humbled on stage. … 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.”
