Joey Votto: Mr. Personality of Major League Baseball

Cincinnati Reds slugger Joey Votto reached base in 150 games during the 2017 MLB season, but that isn’t the most impressive thing he did during the season.

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is quietly putting together a Hall of Fame career since he entered the Majors in 2007, methodically building a top-notch resume in the process. 2017 was a historic season for Votto, where he reached base in an impressive 150 games, while also hitting .320, driving in 100 runs, and plating 106 of his own.

Votto’s career achievements are eye-popping, to say the least:

• National League Hank Aaron Award (2010)
• National League MVP (2010)
• 5-time National League All-Star (2010–2013, 2017)
• Lou Marsh Trophy (2010)
• 6-time Tip O’Neill Award (2010–2013, 2015, 2016)
• Gold Glove Award (2011)
• 9 MLB Seasons hitting at least .300: (2007, 2009-2013, 2015-2017).
• National League On-base percentage leader (2010–2013, 2016-2017)
• National League leader in walks (2011-2013, 2015, 2017)
• Playoff appearances: (2010, 2012-2013)

When the time comes, Votto’s Hall of Fame case will be heavily debated for sure. However, Votto already has a Hall of Fame personality, which has been on full display during his decade in the majors. During a series in Miami, Ichiro and Votto face off in this epic moment, where the two exchange some pregame refreshments:

Returning the favor from the day before, Votto bought 51 pizzas ( resembling Ichiro’s jersey number), showing a kind gesture in response. He also has mocked his (now) former teammate, Brandon Phillips, showing the tightly knitted bond that the two share even to this date. Apparently, Phillips is known for doing the same, so he welcomed the exchange from Votto.

Votto even caught the attention of Good Morning America in 2016, when a fan hindered the first baseman from snagging a sure out:

I remember this exact moment vividly, watching the game live on T.V. for the original intent of tuning in to watch my St. Louis Cardinals, but my wife and I were given the gift of seeing this moment unfold, one of our favorites of all-time. That wasn’t the only time Votto got into with one of his own during a home game at Great American Ballpark, where the Red’s fan had some choice words for the player he’s been watching for seasons, with the two apparently had a history with one another. Thank goodness another fan in the stands recorded the epic moment:

"Reds fan: I remember when you used to be good.Votto: I remember when you used to be thin."

The exchange builds from there, when Votto, who knows he’s being recorded, calls out the fan for trying to goat him into saying something condemning, playing along in the process. How many pro-athletes would even take the time and energy to heckle and jest with one of their own supporters? This moment was incredible in itself, but Votto was not done, where he showed a softer side of himself.

Also in 2017, and maybe the most refreshing moment during live-action sports I’ve seen.

Votto and the Reds organization also spent time with the young cancer patient, no doubt helping the kiddo in a time of great difficulty. In an epic pregame interview, Votto has a little bit of fun with the crew from Fox Sports Ohio:

In an attempt to get his teammate Zack Cozart into the 2017 All-Star game, which ultimately was successful, Votto went to great lengths to make that become a reality:

Yes, Votto even dressed as a donkey, which the video breaks down the importance of donning the gear. If these few moments weren’t enough, a collection of the Votto all-time moments are compiled by a Sports World, who we are eternally grateful to:

For better or for worse, Votto leaves it all out on the field and wears his heart on his sleeve, that’s for sure. With the Reds currently in a rebuilding mode, Votto continues to show his loyalty and golden personality, through good times and the bad. Hopefully, Votto stays in a Reds uniform his whole career, a rarity nowadays with the Free-agency era, which will put him up there with the all-time Reds greats, even with the likes of Pete Rose and Johnny Bench.

Next: Detroit Tigers: Andrew Romine plays all nine positions in one game

MLB fans should not take Joey Votto for granted and enjoy every moment, whether it be a walk-off home run or his unpredictable antics which will always leave you guessing. Hate him or love him, you will always be in for a bit of fun when Joey Votto takes the diamond.