TORONTO Joey Votto felt disheartened as he ended his attempt to join his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays. At 40 years old, the first baseman realized his performance no longer met Major League standards.
On Wednesday, just before the start of Toronto’s 11-7 loss to his former team, the Cincinnati Reds, Votto took to social media to announce his retirement, surprising both the Blue Jays and their fans.
“I have no regrets,” Votto stated. “While I’m not regretful, I am genuinely saddened. I’ve always envisioned myself as a one-team player, and now, I’ll be remembered as a lifelong Cincinnati Red.”
Votto expressed his desire to play a season with the Blue Jays, close to home and in front of his family and fellow Canadians.
“I really wanted to be part of the games here,” he said.
He made a trip from Buffalo to Rogers Centre to bid farewell to his former Reds teammates.
Votto had signed with the Blue Jays during spring training but was sidelined by an ankle injury. As his ankle healed, he followed the Blue Jays’ games on TV, hoping to familiarize himself with what he envisioned as his new team. However, with his recovery progressing slowly, he eventually stopped watching.
Recently, he began a rehab stint with Triple-A Buffalo, fueling speculation about a possible Toronto debut against the Reds this week. Unfortunately, his performance with the Bisons was off, as he batted just .143 in 15 games.
A couple of nights ago in the Buffalo area, Votto had dinner with his family and realized his comeback attempt was coming to an end.
“I’ve played long enough to understand what’s happening,” Votto said. “I was not performing well. I was really struggling.”
He noted that his progress was too slow, and he never felt close to being ready for the Major Leagues.
Before his final game with the Bisons on Wednesday, Votto was asked if he could pinch hit. He declined the opportunity.
“I’m passing up professional at-bats,” he said. “That’s enough. I’ve had enough.”
Votto’s retirement announcement surprised the Blue Jays. Manager John Schneider learned about it just before the team took the field, but the Blue Jays quickly went on to build a 6-0 lead, thanks to home runs by George Springer, Spencer Horwitz, and Ernie Clement.
“Our Triple-A hitting coach, Ryan Long, was here on Monday, and we discussed Votto,” Schneider said. “He was still working incredibly hard. Votto is such a unique player and a great person, and he’s been an excellent teammate throughout his career. It was nice to get to know him a bit better.”
As news of Votto’s retirement spread among the 27,057 fans at Rogers Centre, George Springer hit his 60th career leadoff homer, helping Toronto (59-68) take an early 6-0 lead.
The Reds (62-65) came back with 11 consecutive runs, including a five-run fifth inning and a three-run sixth inning. Noelvi Marte, India, and Elly De La Cruz each hit home runs.
Blue Jays starter Yariel Rodriguez pitched 4 1/3 innings, allowing five runs on six hits, with two walks and six strikeouts. Reds’ Nick Martinez also pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up six runs.
Toronto reliever Brendon Little (1-2) was credited with the loss, while Reds reliever Emilio Pagan (3-3) earned the win.
Joey Votto, who won the National League MVP award in 2010, finished his career with a .294 batting average, 2,135 hits, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs. He was a six time All Star.
“It’s been an incredible career,” said Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson. “Getting to know him both as a friend and a player has been an honor. He’s truly an all-time great. I grew up watching him in high school, and now I’ve had the chance to be his teammate.”
With his retirement still recent, Votto has not yet made any concrete plans. He has been working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Spanish through online courses and intends to continue his studies this fall.
Reflecting on his career, Votto recalled meeting Scott Thorman, a high school star and former first-round pick who was someone he admired. “I saw Scott Thorman today in Buffalo,” Votto said. “He was the player I aspired to be when I was younger. It’s humbling to think about how far this game has taken me.
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