Joey Votto Is Finally Ready to Meet You
In the 17th season of a Hall of Fame-worthy career, Votto has made the unusual shift from meticulous hitting savant to social media star.
On a July night in Milwaukee, Joey Votto got his revenge. Votto, the first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, had seen a clip weeks earlier of the broadcaster Chris Russo, known as Mad Dog, voicing doubt that he and Royals pitcher Zack Greinke belonged in the Hall of Fame. Now, with the opportunity to confront Russo during an appearance on the MLB Network’s “High Heat,” Votto was planning something special.
Standing in foul territory and wearing a headset, Votto looked into a dugout camera. When Russo’s co-host, Alanna Rizzo, asked a question, Votto smiled and answered engagingly. When Russo took a turn, Votto managed just a few sullen syllables in response. Quickly, Russo caught on — “Funny! You’re funny today” — spurring Votto into a minute-long rant befitting a pro wrestler.
With big hand gestures and a rising tone, Votto inveighed against Russo’s supposed slight toward him and Greinke. “You’re looking down on us, a couple small-market Midwest ballplayers, just because we’re not big-city just like you!” Votto lectured. His eyes widened as he bellowed critiques of Russo’s “Fifth Avenue ties” and “perfectly coifed, Broadway hair.”
Finally, the climax. “Not everyone can be the next Roger Peckinpaugh!” Votto yelled, reaching into the dead-ball era for a good-not-great former Yankee. “You should be ashamed!”
The rant, which Votto and Jim Day, the sideline reporter on Reds’ broadcasts, had been rehearsing for weeks — including on the team plane, which confused more than a few Reds personnel — went viral: One of baseball’s funniest characters had delivered again.
Votto, 40, who did not embrace social media until March 2020, now routinely posts content to an audience of more than 300,000 followers between Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Like his ambush of Russo, Votto’s posts are carefully conceived and executed.
Last winter, he posed in a garish designer outfit — puffy vest, furry jumpsuit, expensive sunglasses, all purchased for the occasion — before playing in a Toronto chess tournament. In June, just before he returned from shoulder surgery, he debuted a skit of himself at the wheel of a Cincinnati school bus as a student chastised him to get back on the field.
That Votto, who homered in his return from the injured list on Sunday, has approached social media with forethought and planning is unsurprising. He has long been known as one of the game’s most meticulous players. What is new is his willingness to devote any energy to it at all. For years, he conducted his career like an ascetic, devoting himself solely to the task of swinging a bat. “He was so focused on his craft as a baseball player,” said Zack Cozart, a teammate in Cincinnati for seven seasons, “it was almost like he had no time for anything else.”
Votto is as dedicated to his craft as he ever was, though persistent shoulder problems have hampered his production this year. But now, with his career in its final descent, VottoJoey Votto Is Finally Ready to Meet You
In the 17th season of a Hall of Fame-worthy career, Votto has made the unusual shift from meticulous hitting savant to social media star.
On a July night in Milwaukee, Joey Votto got his revenge. Votto, the first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, had seen a clip weeks earlier of the broadcaster Chris Russo, known as Mad Dog, voicing doubt that he and Royals pitcher Zack Greinke belonged in the Hall of Fame. Now, with the opportunity to confront Russo during an appearance on the MLB Network’s “High Heat,” Votto was planning something special.
Standing in foul territory and wearing a headset, Votto looked into a dugout camera. When Russo’s co-host, Alanna Rizzo, asked a question, Votto smiled and answered engagingly. When Russo took a turn, Votto managed just a few sullen syllables in response. Quickly, Russo caught on — “Funny! You’re funny today” — spurring Votto into a minute-long rant befitting a pro wrestler.
With big hand gestures and a rising tone, Votto inveighed against Russo’s supposed slight toward him and Greinke. “You’re looking down on us, a couple small-market Midwest ballplayers, just because we’re not big-city just like you!” Votto lectured. His eyes widened as he bellowed critiques of Russo’s “Fifth Avenue ties” and “perfectly coifed, Broadway hair.”
Finally, the climax. “Not everyone can be the next Roger Peckinpaugh!” Votto yelled, reaching into the dead-ball era for a good-not-great former Yankee. “You should be ashamed!”
The rant, which Votto and Jim Day, the sideline reporter on Reds’ broadcasts, had been rehearsing for weeks — including on the team plane, which confused more than a few Reds personnel — went viral: One of baseball’s funniest characters had delivered again.
Votto, 40, who did not embrace social media until March 2020, now routinely posts content to an audience of more than 300,000 followers between Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter. Like his ambush of Russo, Votto’s posts are carefully conceived and executed.
Last winter, he posed in a garish designer outfit — puffy vest, furry jumpsuit, expensive sunglasses, all purchased for the occasion — before playing in a Toronto chess tournament. In June, just before he returned from shoulder surgery, he debuted a skit of himself at the wheel of a Cincinnati school bus as a student chastised him to get back on the field.
That Votto, who homered in his return from the injured list on Sunday, has approached social media with forethought and planning is unsurprising. He has long been known as one of the game’s most meticulous players. What is new is his willingness to devote any energy to it at all. For years, he conducted his career like an ascetic, devoting himself solely to the task of swinging a bat. “He was so focused on his craft as a baseball player,” said Zack Cozart, a teammate in Cincinnati for seven seasons, “it was almost like heTitle: Joey Votto Transforms from Meticulous Hitting Savant to Social Media Star
Subtitle: The Cincinnati Reds’ first baseman embraces social media in the twilight of his career
By [Author Name]
[date]
In a surprising turn of events, Joey Votto, the first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, has transitioned from being a meticulous hitting savant to a social media star. Now in his 17th season, Votto has embraced the world of social media, captivating fans with his carefully crafted posts and engaging content.
Votto’s foray into the world of social media gained attention during a recent appearance on the MLB Network’s “High Heat.” After seeing a clip of broadcaster Chris Russo doubting his Hall of Fame credentials, Votto seized the opportunity to confront Russo during the show. With a sly smile and calculated responses, Votto engaged Russo in a minute-long rant, criticizing his supposed bias against small-market Midwest players like himself and Royals pitcher Zack Greinke.
The viral rant showcased Votto’s comedic timing and ability to captivate an audience. It was a stark departure from his previous persona as a focused and dedicated baseball player. Votto, who only joined social media in March 2020, now boasts a following of over 300,000 fans on Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).
Votto’s social media posts are carefully planned and executed, reflecting his meticulous approach to the game of baseball. Last winter, he posed in a garish designer outfit before playing in a Toronto chess tournament. In June, he debuted a skit of himself as a Cincinnati school bus driver, with a student urging him to get back on the field after shoulder surgery.
While Votto’s dedication to his craft remains unwavering, persistent shoulder problems have affected his performance this year. However, as his career enters its final stages, Votto has embraced a more relaxed and lighthearted approach.
The shift in Votto’s mindset can be traced back to the 2017 season when he felt isolated due to the Reds’ rebuilding phase and the departure of close teammates. To expand his world beyond the batter’s box, Votto hired a Spanish teacher, took up chess, and learned jiu-jitsu. These pursuits provided outlets for him to express himself beyond baseball.
Votto’s multifaceted interests and dedication to the game have made him somewhat of a baseball man of mystery. While he may not be gregarious, his teammates have come to appreciate his unique way of helping them improve. Votto’s public promise to buy teammate Zack Cozart a donkey when he was named an All-Star in 2017 exemplified his personality and camaraderie.
As Votto’s career winds down, his newfound presence on social media has further endeared him to Reds fans. Despite a dip in production, Votto’s ability to connect with fans through his posts and engage in playful banter with broadcasters has solidified his status as a beloved figure in Cincinnati.
Joey Votto’s transformation from a meticulous hitting savant to a social media star has added a new dimension to his already illustrious career. While his dedication to the game remains unwavering, Votto’s willingness to embrace social media has allowed fans to see a different side of him. As he continues to entertain both on and off the field, Votto’s legacy as a Hall of Fame-worthy player and social media sensation is secure.