Joey Votto spoke to reporters Thursday about his decision to retire from baseball.
The 40-year-old first baseman said he came to the conclusion that the game had passed him by and that it was time to retire from the sport after 17 seasons in the major leagues.
“There were some big moments in Buffalo where I heard groans after outs,” Votto said. “When I played for (Triple-A) Louisville last year, there were groans or discontent 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 last quarter of my career. I’m slower. And the only thing I could try to do is play offense. And I was terrible, especially for my position. So at some point the end is certain. And… I’m good.”
Before announcing his retirement this week, Votto spent the 2024 season in the Blue Jays’ minor league system, trying to work his way back to the top.
Votto spent his entire MLB career with the Reds, hitting 356 home runs with a slash line of .294/.409/.511.
On the field, he was perhaps best known for his discipline at the plate, leading the National League in OBP seven times and drawing more than 1,300 walks in his career.
“I’ve become a man in this sport,” Votto said. “I’ve made so many bonds and my character has changed, and I’m just so grateful to have had this opportunity. I’m so humbled by where this game has taken me.”
Votto officially announced his retirement in a lengthy Instagram post on Wednesday, expressing gratitude to his family and friends inside and outside of baseball for making his career possible, including former Reds teammate Jay Bruce and former captain 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 enough anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt. Cincinnati, I only played for you. I love you. And finally to the MLB fans. You motivated me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments when I had a Road City moment or was humiliated on stage. … was me in this sport. I could do my best. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart and mind. Thank you for everything.”
