On Wednesday, the baseball world bid farewell to one of its stalwarts as Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. Known for his exceptional skills and exemplary sportsmanship, Votto leaves behind a legacy that stretches nearly two decades, during which he became synonymous with the Cincinnati Reds.
A Cincinnati Cornerstone
From the moment he debuted, Votto was a cornerstone of the Reds, embodying consistency and excellence. Over his illustrious career, Votto produced a remarkable batting line of .294/.409/.511, which equates to an impressive 144 OPS+.
An MVP and All-Star Legacy
Votto's accolades are numerous, but his crowning achievement came in 2010 when he was named the National League MVP. This honor highlighted a season in which he was nothing short of spectacular. In addition to his MVP award, Votto made six All-Star appearances, further cementing his status as one of the game's elite.
Impressive Milestones
Joey Votto's career statistics are a testament to his prowess at the plate. He amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs, while driving in 1,144 runs and crossing the plate 1,171 times. Moreover, Votto accumulated a 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement), a figure that underscores his immense value to his team over the years.
A Master of Plate Discipline
Votto's keen eye at the plate set him apart from his peers. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times and walks five times, a testament to his patience and precision. Votto's ability to get on base was unparalleled, and he topped the league in OPS twice, slugging percentage once, doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once.
His career ranks among the sport's best in several categories: 42nd all-time in on-base percentage (OBP), 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base.
First Basemen Greatness and JAWS Rankings
Among first basemen, Votto's place in history is secured. He ranks 12th in JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), just one spot behind the legendary Miguel Cabrera. Impressively, Votto ranks ahead of Hall of Famers such as Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray in this metric. In fact, Votto outranks 20 Hall of Fame first basemen in JAWS, further solidifying his legacy.
Playoff Performance and Clutch Gene
While Votto's overall playoff batting line stood at .244/.319/.244, he shone brightly on the big stage in 2012, hitting .389 with a .500 OBP in the National League Division Series (NLDS).
In the regular season, Votto's performance in critical moments was outstanding. With runners in scoring position, he hit .321/.468/.574, and in high-leverage situations, he maintained a slash line of .314/.438/.562. Remarkably, in two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, Votto hit .265 with a .458 OBP, showcasing his propensity to deliver when it mattered most.
Hall of Fame Consideration
The sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is clear: Votto's career merits serious Hall of Fame consideration. As one writer succinctly put it, "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."
As Joey Votto hangs up his cleats, he leaves behind a career that is not only rich in statistical achievement but also characterized by an approach to the game that prioritized patience, discipline, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. His journey through the Major Leagues has ensured that his name will be remembered not just by Reds fans, but by baseball enthusiasts everywhere.