Joey Votto continues inspiring contemporaries and fans
Endowed with talent, there are some players whose presence inspires awe and inspiration. Putting that talent in effective use, executing it thoroughly – and with relative comfortableness, is in itself a trait characteristic of legendary players.
Then there is a debate – albeit potentially unnecessary, if a player carries an inscription of legend while he is playing. For every player who distinguishes himself from their contemporary peers is actually accomplishing what is not essentially a facile
task for others.
That is where Joey Votto figures. And figures prominently. The Canadian Major League baseball first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds has risen to prominence for a variety of reasons; chief among whom are consistency, power and effectiveness.
Having made his debut in 2007, Votto has never looked back. There may have come ups and downs in his career, but the vicissitudes have barely adversely affected the quality of his play. They have rather polished his skills, making him one of the coveted
first basemen in MLB.
His first season carried all the components of a legendary player, finishing it with .321 with four home runs and 17 RBIs.
In 2008, Votto had started emerging as a player who promised something huge for the team. As the Reds gave him more opportunities, he made his presence felt. He finished second only behind the Chicago Cubs Geovany Soto in the Rookie of the Year voting, maintaining
.297 batting average with 24 homer and slugging percentage of .506.
It was a story of consistency all the while. Next year, he batted .332, smashing 25 home runs, winning MVP Award.
2011 remained different for the player wherein he got his first Gold Glove Award due to his phenomenal performance, batting .309 with 29 home runs and 103 RBIs. That was the year when he led the National League in doubles with 40, bases on balls with 110
and on-base percentage of .462.
Throughout the years, he has made adjustments, becoming more and more effective and powerful. As his performance bolstered the Reds offensively, he was to be rewarded for it as the club did not want to lose him.
After signing 10-year $225 million contract extension with his team this year, which runs through 2024, his has become the longest active deal in baseball. In the history of Major League Baseball, this is the fourth largest deal.
Like stated earlier, he has become legendary in his own right – something candidly acknowledged by the contemporaries. The Milwaukee Brewers Corey Hart is one of the countless who hold tremendous respect for him.
“He's completely underrated. You don't see many guys with that mix of power and average. Some of those guys only hit home runs, but he can hit .300. He's just a really good big league hitter, and then he's a good defensive player. He does some of it all.”
For his team manager, Dusty Baker, Joey Votto’s composure is one of the traits that make him distinct. “Joey is a quality young man who cares about his teammates. I asked him once why he never gets angry on the field when something goes wrong and he said:
'I don't want to show up my teammates.'”
And Hall of Famer Johnny Bench had seen what this guy promised:"I noticed Joey Votto right away. I said, 'There's a kid who has a swing, don't bypass him.”
With .316 career average, Votto continues to be a source of inspiration for fans; and shall remain so in the years to come.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the writer's own and do not reflect the official editorial policy of Bettor.com
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