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.
There are simply not enough words to describe how awesome @JoeyVotto is. pic.twitter.com/WuJ1G7ju60
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 22, 2022
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.
.@JoeyVotto just gets it. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5vN7E9BvX3
— MLB (@MLB) September 21, 2022
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.
