1. The Surreal End: Joey Votto Reflects on His Final Moments as a Professional Baseball Player

Joey Votto, the beloved Cincinnati Reds veteran, has retired from Major League Baseball after a 17-season career. In a recent interview on the Dan Patrick Show, Votto shared the surreal details surrounding his decision to step away from the game.

Votto's retirement came at an unexpected moment during the 2024 season, which he spent in the minor leagues with the Buffalo Bisons. In a game against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, Votto was not in the starting lineup. When offered a chance to pinch-hit, he surprisingly declined.

1. The Surreal End: Joey Votto Reflects on His Final Moments as a Professional Baseball Player

"The coach said, 'Do you want this at-bat?' and I was like, 'I don't, I don't.' And I've never had that," Votto explained.

While sitting on the bench, Votto was approached by his first base coach, Devon White, a former World Series champion with the Blue Jays. For White, Votto had been a favorite player growing up.

1. The Surreal End: Joey Votto Reflects on His Final Moments as a Professional Baseball Player

"We loved the Toronto Blue Jays, and our favorite player was Devon White," Votto said.

White, however, now had a different role as Votto's coach. He challenged Votto, asking him about his hitting strategy.

1. The Surreal End: Joey Votto Reflects on His Final Moments as a Professional Baseball Player

"He said to me, 'What do you think you're going to do?' And he was talking about my hitting style and what adjustments I'm going to make," Votto recalled. "And I go, 'I think I'm done,' and he goes, 'you mean retiring?' and I go, 'Yeah, I think I'm done,' and he goes 'Okay.'"

This conversation helped Votto come to terms with the reality that his baseball journey was nearing its end. He recognized that his presence on the team was hindering the development of younger players.

1. The Surreal End: Joey Votto Reflects on His Final Moments as a Professional Baseball Player

"I went into the clubhouse, thanked my minor league teammates who, in my opinion, deserved a thank you, because I took plate appearances from them, I took playing time from them," Votto said.

Votto's decision to retire was a testament to his unwavering commitment to the game. He had always been driven to perform at the highest level, but in that moment, he realized that it was time to prioritize the well-being of his team and his own legacy.

Votto's retirement marked the end of an era for the Cincinnati Reds. Drafted in the second round of the 2002 draft, Votto spent his entire MLB career in Cincinnati, becoming one of the most successful players in franchise history.

Over 2,056 games, Votto recorded a remarkable .294/.409/.511 batting average, .920 OPS, 2,135 hits, 356 home runs, and 1,144 RBIs. He was a five-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, and a Silver Slugger award winner. Votto's exceptional eye at the plate earned him the NL lead in walks five times.

Despite his accomplishments, Votto admitted that his decision to play in the 2024 season was likely a mistake.

"I was washed," he said. "I should have been done last year."

Votto's retirement serves as a reminder that even the greatest athletes must eventually confront the inevitable. It is a bittersweet moment, filled with both the satisfaction of a successful career and the realization that the journey has come to an end.