Joey Votto's Illustrious Career Comes to a Close
Joey Votto officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball on Wednesday, drawing the curtain on an illustrious career that saw him become a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds for nearly two decades.
Votto's batting prowess and consistency are reflected in his career batting line of .294/.409/.511, equating to a 144 OPS+. His remarkable ability to get on base and drive in key runs significantly contributed to the Reds' fortunes. The apex of his career came in 2010 when he was named the National League MVP, a recognition of his all-round excellence at the plate.
Votto's accolades don't stop there. He made six All-Star appearances, a testament to his status as one of the league's premier first basemen. Over the course of his career, he amassed 2,135 hits, including 459 doubles and 356 home runs, drove in 1,144 runs, and scored 1,171 times. His accumulated 64.5 WAR (Wins Above Replacement) underlines his pivotal role in the Reds' lineup.
Beyond the traditional statistics, Votto's contributions stand out in more nuanced measures as well. He led the league in on-base percentage seven times and walks five times. This ability to reach base consistently made him a constant threat in any lineup. Additionally, he led the league in OPS twice and slugging percentage once, showcasing his balanced blend of power and precision. Votto also topped the league in doubles once, WAR once, and OPS+ once, demonstrating his versatility and effectiveness.
In the broader historical context, Votto's achievements place him among the elite. He ranks 42nd all-time in on-base percentage (OBP), 53rd in OPS, 184th in plate appearances, 34th in walks, and 93rd in times on base. Among first basemen, his JAWS (Jaffe WAR Score system) ranking of 12th puts him in esteemed company, just one spot behind Miguel Cabrera. Intriguingly, he ranks ahead of noted Hall of Famers like Rafael Palmeiro, Willie McCovey, Todd Helton, and Eddie Murray.
Votto's postseason numbers paint a mixed picture. His playoff batting line stands at .244/.319/.244, but he shone in the 2012 NLDS, hitting .389 with a .500 OBP. His performance in crucial situations was particularly noteworthy. With runners in scoring position, he hit .321/.468/.574, and in high-leverage situations, he maintained an impressive slash line of .314/.438/.562. Even in the stressful scenarios of two outs with runners in scoring position, Votto hit .265 with a .458 OBP.
The sentiment among baseball writers and analysts is that Votto's career merits 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 steps away from the diamond, his legacy as one of the greatest first basemen of his era is firmly secure. His achievements and impact on the game will be remembered and celebrated by fans, peers, and the baseball community for years to come.