Joey Votto is officially hanging up the spikes.
After a 17-year big league career, the six-time All-Star on Wednesday that he’s retiring from baseball.
After almost two decades with the Reds, Votto had attempted to catch on with the Blue Jays this year after a lengthy — and well-publicized — free agency but did not get an MLB call-up after 31 minorš league games.š
“That’s it ā I’m done. I’m officially retired from baseball,” Votto said in the video from outside Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Blue Jays.
The first baseman added a lengthy caption to āhis post, showing gratš¤”itude toward his family for making his career possible.
He also thanked plenty in the baseball world, incš„luding former Reds teammate Jź§ay Bruce and ex-skipper Dusty Baker.
“Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you,” he wrote. “Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. Iām just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt. Cincinnati, Iāve only played for you. I love you. Finally, to the MLB fans. You energized me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments where I broke a road cities moment, or was humbled on stage. … was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind. Thank you for everything.”
The 2010 National League MVP ends his career with 2,135 hits and a .294/.409/.šø511 slash line.
His 1,365 walks were most among active players before his ršetirement on Wednesš²day.