Joey Votto Hangs Up His Cleats: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close
On a somber Wednesday, Joey Votto, the face of the Cincinnati Reds for nearly two decades, officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. The legendary first baseman leaves behind a legacy marked by consistent excellence and a deep connection to the city of Cincinnati and its baseball fans.
Votto's career stats paint a picture of a player who not only excelled but often dominated. His career batting line of .294/.409/.511 with a 144 OPS+ places him among the modern greats. Votto, who was named the National League MVP in 2010, also made six All-Star appearances, showcasing his talent on some of the game’s biggest stages.
His offensive contributions extend beyond just his batting average. Votto amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs. He drove in 1,144 runs and crossed home plate 1,171 times himself. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) sits at an impressive 64.5, a figure that reflects his substantial contributions to the Reds over the years.
Votto's proficiency at getting on base was unparalleled; he led the league in on-base percentage seven times and walks five times. His ability to reach base was a cornerstone of his game, and he also led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once. The consistency of his performance is highlighted by his leading the league in doubles, WAR, and OPS+ at various points in his career.
His career rankings further solidify his status among the greats. Votto ranks 42nd all-time in on-base percentage, 53rd in OPS, and 184th in plate appearances. His eye at the plate was extraordinary, ranking 34th in walks, and he was 93rd in times on base. Among first basemen, he ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera. Intriguingly, he ranks ahead of notable Hall of Famers such as Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray, and indeed, over 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS.
One writer keenly observed, "I'm a voter for the first time this year, and I can very firmly say I'm going to be a Votto voter when the time comes," encapsulating the sentiment among many baseball writers and analysts that Votto's career merits Hall of Fame consideration.
For all his regular-season success, Votto's playoff numbers tell a different, yet respectful, story. His playoff batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, but this should not overshadow his stellar .389 batting average and .500 OBP in the 2012 NLDS, a testament to his ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
Votto was particularly clutch with runners in scoring position, hitting .321/.468/.574. Even more remarkable were his numbers in high-leverage situations, maintaining a slash line of .314/.438/.562. Under the pressure cooker of two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, he hit .265 with a .458 OBP, highlighting his knack for delivering when the stakes were highest.
As Votto transitions into the next chapter of his life, the baseball world reflects on a career defined by perseverance, excellence, and an unyielding dedication to the game. The admiration he garnered from fans and peers alike ensures that his legacy will endure long after his final at-bat.
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans. Few players have left as indelible a mark on a franchise as Votto has on the Reds. As discussions about his potential induction into the Hall of Fame begin in earnest, one thing remains clear: Joey Votto's career was nothing short of extraordinary.