Joey Votto Announces Retirement From Major League Baseball
In an announcement that leaves a significant mark on the history of Major League Baseball, Joey Votto officially declared his retirement on Wednesday. As a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds for nearly two decades, Votto's departure signals the end of an era for the franchise and the sport.
Votto's tenure with the Reds is illustrious, characterized by stellar performance and unwavering commitment. Throughout his career, Votto managed to compile a remarkable batting line of .294/.409/.511, translating to a formidable 144 OPS+. His accomplishments on the field were recognized early, as evidenced by his selection as the National League MVP in 2010 and six All-Star appearances.
Remarkable Career Stats
Over the years, Votto amassed an impressive résumé filled with noteworthy statistics. He accumulated 2,135 hits, featuring 459 doubles and 356 home runs, while driving in 1,144 runs and scoring 1,171 times. His career Wins Above Replacement (WAR) stands at an impressive 64.5, underscoring his value to the team and his exceptional contribution to the game.
Votto's prowess at the plate was further evidenced by his league-leading figures; he topped the league in on-base percentage seven times and walks five times. Additionally, he led in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, demonstrating his consistent excellence. His knack for doubles, WAR, and OPS+ also saw him lead the league in these categories during different seasons.
League and Historical Rankings
Ranking among the all-time greats, Votto's name is etched into the history books of MLB. He holds the 42nd spot all-time in on-base percentage (OBP) and 53rd in OPS. Additionally, he ranks 184th in plate appearances and 34th in walks, showcasing his durability and discipline over the years. Votto's ability to get on base places him 93rd in times on base.
Particularly notable among first basemen, Votto ranks 12th in the JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system), placing him just one position behind Miguel Cabrera. This ranking also puts him ahead of other legendary first basemen such as Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray. In fact, Votto's JAWS rank places him ahead of 20 Hall of Fame first basemen, signifying his prominence in this position.
Clutch Performer
When it came to playoff performance, Votto delivered with a batting line of .244/.319/.244. Notably, he excelled in the 2012 NLDS, hitting .389 with a .500 OBP. His ability to perform in critical moments extended to regular-season high-leverage situations, where he sustained a slash line of .314/.438/.562. With runners in scoring position, Votto was a reliable hitter, posting .321/.468/.574, while in two-out, runners-in-scoring-position scenarios, he maintained a .265 average with a .458 OBP.
Hall of Fame Consideration
The debate over Joey Votto's place in the Hall of Fame has already begun, with many baseball writers and analysts asserting his qualifications. One writer, reflecting the sentiment of many, stated, "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."
Joey Votto's retirement marks the end of a distinguished career filled with numerous accolades and achievements. As the baseball world reflects on his contributions, Votto's legacy with the Cincinnati Reds and Major League Baseball remains firmly established. His exceptional performance, leadership, and commitment to excellence will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.