Joey Votto: Canadian MLB Hitting Machine

Joey Votto is a name that rings out in the baseball world. He’s a guy who’s spent his whole career with one team, the Cincinnati Reds, and boy, has he made a mark! Votto’s not just any player; he’s a hitting machine with a keen eye at the plate. He’s known for his ability to get on base and his power hitting. But there’s more to Joey than just his stats. He’s a Canadian who made it big in America’s favorite pastime, and he’s got quite a story to tell.

Who is Joey Votto?

Joey Votto is a Canadian-American former professional baseball player who spent his entire 17-year Major League Baseball (MLB) career with the Cincinnati Reds. Born in Toronto, Ontario, Votto grew up loving baseball in a country where hockey is king. He’s not your typical slugger; instead, he’s known for his incredible ability to get on base and his disciplined approach at the plate. Votto’s career is filled with impressive achievements, including being named the National League Most Valuable Player in 2010 and making six All-Star teams[3].

Joey Votto Wikipedia

Early Life

Joey Votto’s story begins in Toronto, Ontario, where he was born on September 10, 1983. Growing up in Etobicoke, a suburb of Toronto, Votto was surrounded by hockey culture. But for young Joey, baseball was the name of the game. His parents gave him his first baseball bat when he was just eight years old, and that’s where his love affair with the sport began[1].

Votto attended Richview Collegiate Institute in Etobicoke, where he wasn’t just a baseball star but an all-around athlete. He could play on any sports team he wanted, but baseball was where he truly shone. Votto was part of the Etobicoke Rangers baseball program during his high school years, honing his skills and dreaming of the big leagues[2].

But Joey wasn’t just about sports. He was a well-rounded kid who worked hard in school too. His dedication to both academics and athletics set him apart from his peers. And while most Canadian kids were dreaming of skating on NHL ice, Votto had his sights set on the baseball diamond.

Career

Joey Votto’s professional baseball journey began in 2002 when the Cincinnati Reds drafted him right out of high school. They picked him in the second round of the MLB entry draft, seeing potential in the young Canadian[1]. But Votto didn’t jump straight to the big leagues. He spent several years in the minor leagues, working his way up and improving his skills.

Votto made his MLB debut on September 4, 2007, against the New York Mets. It was the start of what would become a legendary career with the Reds. In his first full season in 2008, Votto hit an impressive .297 with 24 home runs and 84 RBIs. He finished second in voting for the National League Rookie of the Year, showing that he was ready for the big time[1].

But it was in 2010 that Votto really made his mark. He had an outstanding season, hitting .324 with 37 home runs and 113 RBIs. His performance led the Reds to their first playoff appearance since 1995. And for his efforts, Votto was named the National League Most Valuable Player[1].

Throughout his career, Votto has been known for his exceptional plate discipline and his ability to get on base. He’s led the National League in on-base percentage seven times, a testament to his patient approach at the plate. Votto’s career has been marked by consistency and excellence, making him one of the most respected players in the game.

Lifetime Awards & Achievements

• National League Most Valuable Player (2010)
• 6-time All-Star (2010-2013, 2017-2018)
• National League Hank Aaron Award (2010)
• Gold Glove Award (2011)
• 7-time Tip O’Neill Award winner
• 2-time Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada’s athlete of the year
• Led National League in on-base percentage seven times
• Cincinnati Reds all-time leader in on-base percentage (.425) and OPS (.962)

What is Joey Votto’s Net Worth?

Joey Votto’s net worth is estimated to be around $262,542,838[7]. This impressive figure comes from his successful MLB career, particularly the lucrative contracts he signed with the Cincinnati Reds. In 2012, Votto signed a 10-year, $225 million contract extension with the Reds, which was the largest contract in the team’s history at the time[5].

Personal Life

Joey Votto is known for being a private person when it comes to his personal life. He’s not one to seek the spotlight off the field, preferring to let his performance on the diamond speak for itself. But there are still some interesting aspects of his personal life that fans have come to know over the years.

1. Joey Votto’s Age

Joey Votto was born on September 10, 1983, which makes him 41 years old as of 2024. Despite being in his early 40s, Votto played at a high level in Major League Baseball until his retirement in 2023. His longevity in the sport is a testament to his dedication to fitness and his deep understanding of the game[3].

2. Joey Votto’s Siblings

Information about Joey Votto’s siblings is not widely available in the public domain. Votto tends to keep his family life private, and there’s no confirmed information about whether he has brothers or sisters. This privacy is typical of Votto, who’s known for being reserved about his personal life.

3. Joey Votto’s Family

Joey Votto was born to Wendy Howell and Joseph Votto in Toronto, Ontario. His mother works as a sommelier and manages a restaurant. His father, who was a chef and an avid baseball enthusiast, sadly passed away in 2008 when he was just 52 years old. Votto has spoken about how his father’s passing affected him deeply and influenced his approach to life and baseball[2].

Votto has Italian and English heritage, which adds to the rich tapestry of his background. Growing up, he was a fan of Ted Williams, the legendary baseball player, and even had a poster of Williams on his childhood bedroom wall[2].

4. Joey Votto’s Relationships

Joey Votto has managed to keep his romantic life largely out of the public eye. There’s no publicly available information about his current relationship status or any past relationships. This privacy is in line with Votto’s general approach to his personal life, preferring to keep the focus on his baseball career rather than his private affairs.

5. Joey Votto’s House

Details about Joey Votto’s residence are not publicly available. Given his long-standing connection to Cincinnati due to his career with the Reds, it’s likely that he has a home in or near the city. However, like many aspects of his personal life, Votto keeps information about his living arrangements private.

Where is Joey Votto Now?

As of August 21, 2024, Joey Votto has officially retired from professional baseball. He announced his retirement through an Instagram post, ending his 17-year career with the Cincinnati Reds. In his retirement announcement, Votto expressed gratitude to his family, coaches, and others who supported him throughout his career[5].

Votto’s retirement came after the Reds declined his $20 million club option for the 2024 season, marking the end of the 10-year, $225 million contract extension he signed with Cincinnati in 2012[5]. While he’s no longer playing professionally, Votto’s impact on the game and his legacy with the Reds will be remembered for years to come.

Conclusion

Joey Votto’s career is a testament to consistency, hard work, and an deep understanding of the game of baseball. From his early days in Toronto to becoming the face of the Cincinnati Reds franchise, Votto has left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball. His ability to get on base, his power hitting, and his defensive skills at first base made him one of the most complete players of his generation.

Votto’s journey from a Canadian kid dreaming of the big leagues to a Major League MVP is inspiring. He’s shown that with dedication and a willingness to constantly improve, it’s possible to achieve greatness. As he moves into retirement, Votto leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered not just in Cincinnati, but throughout the baseball world.

Whether it’s his impressive statistics, his numerous awards, or his impact on the game, Joey Votto has cemented his place in baseball history. He’s not just a great player; he’s a model of what it means to be a professional athlete. As fans, we’ve been lucky to witness the career of one of baseball’s most intelligent and skilled hitters. Joey Votto may have hung up his cleats, but his influence on the game will continue for years to come.