Joey Votto Retires from Baseball

Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto officially announced his retirement following a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, where he reflected on his career and the decision to step away from baseball. After playing for the Blue Jays’ Triple-A team, Votto visited the Reds’ clubhouse to reconnect with former teammates and manager David Bell, expressing mixed emotions about his departure from the sport he loves. Votto shared his internal struggle regarding retirement, questioning whether it was the right choice and fearing that the organization might dictate his exit. Despite these concerns, he stated he has "zero regrets" about his decision, although he expressed disappointment at not being able to play a season in Toronto, his home city. “I wanted to play a year in Toronto at home, in front of family, in front of my country,” he lamented. The 2010 NL MVP acknowledged the evolution of baseball, noting that the game has become faster and more competitive, which contributed to his decision. Votto admitted that he could no longer perform at the level required for his position, stating, “I just was not good enough, and that’s the end of it.” Over his illustrious career, he recorded impressive statistics, including a .294 batting average, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs across 2,056 games. Manager David Bell and Blue Jays’ manager John Schneider praised Votto’s remarkable career, highlighting the impact he had on the game and the respect he garnered from peers and fans alike.