Joey Votto, the Cincinnati Reds legend who has been a fixture in the baseball world for 16 years, stands at a crossroads in his career. While retirement rumors swirl around the 40-year-old first baseman, he continues to take the field with a grace and poise that have defined his tenure with the Reds. As he approaches retirement, there’s a sense of nostalgia and gratitude that permeates the ballpark every time he steps up to bat.
Today is the 1,037th career game at Great American Ball Park for Joey Votto. @JoeyVotto | @Reds | @johnsadak pic.twitter.com/BV9fhtaNjW
— Bally Sports Cincinnati (@BallySportsCIN) September 24, 2023
In a recent game against Pittsburgh, fans at the sun-soaked Great American Ball Park came together to honor Votto’s potential farewell season. Before his first at-bat, the crowd of 31,191 rose to their feet, showering him with a heartfelt standing ovation. Votto acknowledged the adoration by tipping his helmet and embracing the chants of “Joey! Joey!” echoing through the stadium.
Reflecting on the moment, Votto, originally hailing from Etobicoke, Ontario, shared his emotions with the fans and Bally Sports Cincinnati, saying, “You almost had me crying. There’s no crying in baseball. For you to stop the game, it means a great deal to me.”
Number 19, Joey Votto ❤️ pic.twitter.com/aYAQx86dly
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 24, 2023
Yet, beyond the ballpark’s cheers and ovations, Votto’s journey has been all about resilience and growth, mirroring his evolution as a player. As a 19-year-old Canadian kid entering the Cincinnati Reds’ minor league system, Votto found himself in an unfamiliar and challenging world. His introverted nature clashed with the high-stakes, competitive atmosphere, leaving him feeling like an outsider.
Yesterday, in a nostalgic bid, Joey wrote a heartfelt note on Medium recounting incidents from his early life.
The bus rides, a quintessential part of a minor leaguer’s life, were particularly daunting. Cramped, uncomfortable, and filled with a cacophony of odors and chaos, they provided a surreal backdrop to Votto’s dream. However, he didn’t give up and managed to find a place for himself on the floor of the bus. In those moments, he was able to seek some rest amidst all the chaos.
An amazing scene in Cincinnati as Joey Votto receives a standing O in what could be his final home game with the Reds 🥹🫡
(via @BallySportsCIN)
pic.twitter.com/e4qTBPU255— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) September 24, 2023
He wrote, “I’m 19 years old and in the Cincinnati Reds minor league system, playing at their Midwest League, low minor league level. Joining professional baseball out of high school was my dream. I was a skinny, shy, passive Canadian kid. I knew almost nothing about the rigors of the professional sports world but was finding out quickly”
“I was so scared of making a mistake and looking foolish out loud. As weird as my teammates must have already thought I was, I worried opening my mouth would make things worse.”
It was during these bus rides that Votto had the chance to witness the world outside, the diverse terrains and small towns that offered a glimpse of magic amidst the arduous journey. These fleeting moments of awe fueled his dreams of playing in packed stadiums, signing big contracts, and receiving accolades, even when the reality on the field was far from glamorous.
"I could have soaked that in forever. It was an honor of all honors. I'm humbled."
Joey Votto. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/In4A39p5mb
— Votto De La Cruz (@EvilJoeyVotto) September 24, 2023
“I dream of standing on the field in packed stadiums, being interviewed, bright lights, signing big contracts, and accepting awards.”
The story takes a turn when Votto finds himself drenched in tobacco spit during one of these bus journeys, a moment that could have broken him.
Yesterday left me nostalgic 😊. A story I wrote:
“A Bus Ride” by Joey Vottohttps://t.co/BFYbp2yvgJ pic.twitter.com/HBAlDdaDem
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) September 25, 2023
“My dream suddenly cuts out when a smell wakes me up… It’s distinct and all too familiar. Tobacco. Groggy and nauseous, I feel my face soaked in sweat. The sweat flows down my nose and lips. I rub my face and look at my hand. My hand is covered in a brown liquid, black even. I give my hand a curious look: brown, black!? What is this? I sniff the sludge. It’s not sweat. I’m covered in someone’s tobacco spit! I look at the floor next to me and realize I’m lying in a pool of it.”
"We’re headed to our next stop. I should rest up; I have a dream to get back to." – What a quote by @JoeyVotto https://t.co/yzw1d8ULPf
— Eric Willoughby (@willouej) September 25, 2023
However, it turns into a significant moment, serving as a symbol of his unwavering dedication to his dream. He chooses to accept all the challenges, discomfort, and even the vomit-inducing aspects of his path. As he wipes his face and returns to slumber, one thought remains unshaken:
“We’re headed to our next stop. I should rest up; I have a dream to get back to”
