Canadian Major League Star Votto Eventually Announces Retirement

Joey Votto (40), a longtime star of the Cincinnati Reds in the U.S. Major League Baseball (MLB), finally announced his retirement.

"It's enough. I will officially retire from baseball," Votto said on his social media on Tuesday.

"Through baseball, I was able to become the best myself. Thank you for everything," he said, posting a lengthy message greeting his parents, brothers and coaches who have helped him.


Votto, who is from Canada, debuted with Cincinnati in 2007 and was a franchise star until last year.


In a total of 2,5006 games in the 17 seasons of the Major League, he had a batting average of 0.294, an on-base percentage of 0.409, a slugging percentage of 0.5111, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs.

The seven-time top on-base player in the National League was selected as the All-Star six times and was named the National League MVP in 2010.

However, Votto, who showed signs of senility from the 2022 season, was released as a free agent after his long-term contract with Cincinnati ended last season.

Most expected to retire, but Votto signed a minor league contract with his hometown team, the Toronto Blue Jays, in March ahead of this season in hopes of playing in the major leagues again.

In his first at-bat in the exhibition game, he seemed to show off his strong performance by hitting a home run at the first pitch.

However, Votto, who injured his ankle after stepping on the bat incorrectly during the game, went down to the minor leagues and suffered ankle and back injuries throughout the season.

Votto, who failed to return to the Major League in the end, took off his uniform with regret.