Joey Votto

The patient engine of the 2010s Reds who led all major leagues in on-base percentage (.424) during his 2010 MVP campaign.

Joseph Daniel Votto (born September 10, 1983) is a Canadian-American former professional baseball first baseman who spent his entire 17-year Major League Baseball career with the Cincinnati Reds from 2007 to 2023. He was one of several Canadian players, including Larry Walker and Justin Morneau, to reach 2,000 hits, 300 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs. A six-time All-Star and two-time Lou Marsh Trophy winner as Canada's athlete of the year, Votto secured the National League MVP Award and Hank Aaron Award in 2010. Renowned for elite plate discipline, he retired with a .409 on-base percentage and 1,365 career walks. He stands as one of only two Reds, alongside Johnny Bench, to accumulate at least 300 home runs, 1,000 RBIs, and 2,000 hits in franchise history.

Quick Facts

Position: First baseman
Born: 10 September 1983
Birthplace: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Bats: Left
Throws: Right
Debut league: MLB
Debut date: September 4
Debut year: 2007

Lore & Background

Votto's minor league journey began after being selected by the Reds in the second round of the 2002 draft. He started with the Gulf Coast League Reds, playing third base and left field before settling at first base. In 2003, he found a favorite stop with the Billings Mustangs in the Pioneer League, where he hit .317 with a .969 OPS to win the league championship—the only title of his career. His development continued through Dayton and Potomac, culminating in a stellar 2006 season with the Chattanooga Lookouts.

There, he led the Southern League in batting average (.319) and total bases while hitting 46 doubles and 22 home runs. Votto earned the league MVP award, was named to both Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star teams, and played in the Futures Game on the World Team. Throughout this ascent, he carried Ted Williams' 'The Science of Hitting,' often mimicking stances of legends like Albert Pujols and Barry Bonds.

Reader's Guide

He remained a constant presence through 2023, finishing as the fourth all-time leader in OPS (.920) and third in OBP (.409) among active players at retirement. His defensive versatility included playing six games in left field during his rookie year, though he spent the vast majority of his career at first base. Votto's legacy is defined by consistency: a.378 batting average in May 2009 and a unique ability to turn walks into offensive production. He remains the second Canadian in history to hit 300 home runs and drive in 1,000 runs.