Childhood and Education Journey of Joey Votto in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 23, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Joey Votto. A timeline of key moments.

Joey Votto is a retired Canadian-American professional baseball player who played his entire 17-year MLB career with the Cincinnati Reds. A six-time All-Star and 2010 NL MVP, Votto is celebrated for his exceptional plate discipline, high on-base percentage, and power hitting. He reached milestones such as 2,000 hits, 300 home runs, and 1,000 RBIs, making him only the second Canadian to achieve this. Votto earned multiple Tip O'Neill Awards and Lou Marsh Trophies, recognizing him as Canada's top athlete. He ranks high among active players in walks and on-base percentage, solidifying his place as one of the Reds' all-time greats.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 10, 1983: Joseph Daniel Votto Born

On September 10, 1983, Joseph Daniel Votto was born. He is a Canadian-American former professional baseball first baseman.

1997: Enrolled in High School

In 1997, Joey Votto enrolled in high school at Richview Collegiate Institute where he also played basketball and hockey.

August 2008: Death of Father

August 2008 marked a difficult period for Joey Votto due to the sudden death of his father, which later contributed to him experiencing depression and anxiety issues.

2008: Death of Votto's Father

In 2008, Joey Votto's father passed away at the age of 52. His father was a chef and baseball fan.

2009: Mental Health Concerns

In 2009, Joey Votto missed games due to stress and other mental health concerns. He later revealed he suffered panic attacks, was hospitalized, and diagnosed with depression.

2010: Adoption of Maris

In 2010, Joey Votto adopted a mastiff-golden retriever mix named Maris from a shelter in Kentucky, naming him after baseball player Roger Maris.

2017: Loss of Friends in Clubhouse

After the 2017 season, Joey Votto felt isolated after the Reds traded away close friends like Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto, leading him to pursue interests outside of baseball.

May 2018: Studying Spanish

In May 2018, it was reported that Joey Votto had been studying Spanish for several years to better communicate with teammates, using Rosetta Stone and a tutor.

June 2020: Op-Ed on White Privilege

In June 2020, following the murder of George Floyd, Joey Votto wrote an op-ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer, reflecting on his white privilege and exploring systemic racism.

2020: Death of Maris

In 2020, Joey Votto's dog, Maris, passed away.

2021: Geography Major

In 2021, Joey Votto finished his sophomore year as a geography major at the University of Florida.

January 2022: United States Citizenship

In January 2022, Joey Votto became a United States citizen in a ceremony in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.

February 2023: Taking Spanish Lessons

In February 2023, Joey Votto mentioned he was taking Spanish lessons three times a week, partly to potentially work in the Dominican Republic and the minor leagues.

September 2023: Love for Baseball

In September 2023, Joey Votto expressed that it was the first time in his career he realized he loved baseball, after years of expanding his life off the field.