Joey Votto sports Barry Larkin jersey, poses with fans, sits in bleachers during Reds game

David Suggs

Joey Votto sports Barry Larkin jersey, poses with fans, sits in bleachers during Reds game image

Joey Votto is still making Reds fans smile, even when he's unable to take the field.

The Cincinnati legend is done for the season after undergoing surgery on a torn rotator cuff last month, but he has remained a fixture at Great American Ball Park. Back in August, he greeted Cardinals legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina with personalized bats.

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On Wednesday, Votto gave fans the special treatment. He appeared on the Reds' broadcast during the team's home game against the Red Sox. Before that, Votto was among the people. He walked up and down the concourses, chatted with fans, took selfies and put smiles on children's faces.

As he made his way around the park, Votto — sporting a classic Barry Larkin No. 11 jersey — breathed a little life into a fan base that has had to deal with more than a few trying years.

And Votto really got the fan experience Wednesday. Per MLB.com's Mark Sheldon, the 2017 NL MVP shouted at numerous teammates, including right fielder Aristides Aquino, who waved back.

When asked during the telecast about his trip around the stadium, Votto was his usual humorous self. He told Larkin and play-by-play announcer John Sadak that most people were more enamored with his jersey choice than his presence.

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"I just have one question, Joey: Are you covering up the dad bod with the Larkin jersey?" Larkin joked. "Is there something to that? That's all I want to know."

"Most people weren't happy to see me," Votto said. "They were just complimenting the jersey. They were just so excited to see me in a Larkin jersey. Covering up the dad bod? Absolutely, yes."

Votto said he always wanted to walk around the bleachers while a game was in session. It's just another way to help him build a rapport with Cincy fans, who already hold him in the highest regard.

"I've never walked the stands. And I've always wanted to see what a Reds game is like live. I've always wanted to connect with the fans. And I was able to take a tour of the stadium," Votto said.

"It was such a great experience," he added.

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.