Joey Votto spoke to reporters Thursday about his decision to retire from baseball.
The 40-year-old first baseman said after 17 seasons in the major leagues, he has concluded that baseball is where he is at and it’s time to retire.
“There were some big moments in Buffalo where you could hear the groans after the outs,” Votto said. “Last year when I was playing at (Triple-A) Louisville, you could hear the groans and complaints after the outs in big moments.”
“The game’s gotten faster. I’m not fast,” he continued. “The game is about more dynamic defense. The game’s changed later in my career. I’ve gotten slower. And the only thing I can try to do is perform offensively. And I’ve been terrible, especially at my position. So, at some point it’s going to end. And then… I’m good.”
Before announcing his retirement this week, Votto had planned to spend the 2024 season in the Blue Jays’ minor leagues with a view to returning to the top level.
Votto spent his entire MLB career with the Reds, hitting 356 home runs with a .294 batting average, .409 on-base percentage and .511 slugging percentage.
On the field, he was best known for his discipline at the plate, leading the National League in on-base percentage seven times and drawing more than 1,300 walks in his career.
“I’ve become a man because of this sport,” Botto said. “I’ve made a lot of bonds and my personality has changed. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and I’m so thrilled with how this sport has brought me.”
Votto officially announced his retirement in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, thanking his family and friends inside and outside of baseball who made his career possible, including former Reds teammate Jay Bruce and former captain Dusty Baker.
“To Toronto and Canada, I wanted to play in front of you,” he wrote. “Yes, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. No more. Thank you for your support while I tried. To Cincinnati, I played only for you. I love you. And finally, to MLB fans, your cheers fueled me. I loved every moment I broke through the boos, name calling, Road City moments and was humbled on stage. … This sport allowed me to be myself. It allowed me to be the best version of myself. I gave my body, mind and spirit to play this sport. Thank you for it all.”
