By Jordan Long
The Cincinnati Reds are in a playoff race with 9 games left in the regular season. They sit 1 game behind the Chicago Cubs for the third and final Wild Card spot in the National League. With the season winding down, this weekend could be the final homestand for Joey Votto
Votto has played at the MLB level for 17 years, all with the Cincinnati Reds. In that time, he became one of the best players in Reds’ franchise history. Going into the final 9 games of the season, he sits at 2,133 hits, 5th in Reds’ history. He is 2nd in doubles to Pete Rose. Rose smacked 601 doubles while Votto is at 459. Votto trails only Johnny Bench in home runs. Bench ended at 389 while Votto is at 356. Some of those numbers will increase before the season is over.
Votto knows his time is coming to an end but isn’t thinking about his last home stand yet. According to CBSsports.com, Votto said, “I don’t think about that. I’ve had moments where it’s crossed my mind, and the nice thing about playing competitive ball is that you’re thinking about today’s game and performing well. As far as this being the last homestand, if that’s the case, I can’t do anything about that — I don’t want to say I can’t do anything about that — I just am having a really good time playing really meaningful baseball with some really fun teammates. So however it shakes out, I’m good. I’m good. I just want to help out. I just want to play. All I’ve ever wanted to do is play. It’s the most important thing to me.”
The Reds are still making a push to the playoffs with Votto. They have their chance. The last time the Reds earned a playoff spot was the COVID shortened season. They were beaten by the Atlanta Braves in the Wild Card Series 2-0. Before that the Reds were defeated by Pittsburgh in the Wild Card game in 2013.
No matter what happens, at least Votto is playing meaningful baseball games this late in the season. Of course, Votto would like to end his career by going to the playoffs since that would give him a chance to win the World Series. If they fail to do so, Votto can hold his head high. These next 9 games will determine their fate.
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