Childhood and Education Journey of Joey Votto in Timeline

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

Joey Votto, a Canadian-American former professional baseball first baseman, played his entire 17-year MLB career (2007-2023) with the Cincinnati Reds. He achieved the milestone of 2,000 hits, 300 home runs, and 1,000 RBI, a feat only accomplished by one other Canadian player. A six-time All-Star, he won the NL MVP and Hank Aaron Award in 2010. Votto is celebrated for his exceptional plate discipline, leading active players in career walks and ranking high in on-base percentage and OPS at the time of his retirement. He is one of two Reds in franchise history with at least 300 home runs, 1,000 RBI, and 2,000 hits.

Sections (4)

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

September 10, 1983: Joseph Votto Born

On September 10, 1983, Joseph Daniel Votto was born. He would later become a celebrated baseball player.

1997: Enrollment in High School

In 1997, Joey Votto enrolled at Richview Collegiate Institute, where he participated in baseball, basketball, and hockey.

August 2008: Death of Father

In August 2008, the death of Joey Votto's father led to him suffering from depression and anxiety.

2008: Death of Father

In 2008, Joey Votto's father, Joseph Votto, a chef and baseball fan, passed away at the age of 52, impacting Votto's life and career.

2010: Got Maris the dog

In 2010, Joey Votto got a mastiff-golden retriever mix named Maris from a shelter in Kentucky.

2010: Ejection from a game

Joey Votto was ejected from a game in 2010, the first ejection since then.

2017: Loss of teammates

After the 2017 season the Reds traded away some of Joey Votto's closest friends in the clubhouse, including Jay Bruce and Johnny Cueto.

May 2018: Votto Studies Spanish

In May 2018, it was reported that Joey Votto had been studying Spanish for several years to better communicate with his teammates.

June 2020: Votto Addresses Systemic Racism

In June 2020, in the wake of the murder of George Floyd, Joey Votto wrote an op-ed in The Cincinnati Enquirer in which he described coming to terms with his own white privilege and exploring systemic racism.

2020: Death of Maris the dog

In 2020, Joey Votto's dog Maris died.

2021: Votto Finishes Sophomore Year

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

January 2022: Votto Becomes a U.S. Citizen

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: Votto Taking Spanish Lessons

In February 2023, Joey Votto mentioned he was taking Spanish lessons three times a week, partly with the goal of working in the Dominican Republic and the minor leagues.