While most people use retirement as an opportunity to slow down, Joey Votto might actually be busier now than he ever was during his 17-year MLB career.
Appearing on the Rates and Barrels podcast (h/t The Athletic’s Jayson Stark), Votto explained his post-retirement journey has included surfing in Ireland, becoming an accredited sushi chef and certified yoga instructor during his travels around the world.
Votto also revealed he has spent time in Japan, Poland, Jordan, Egypt, Spain and Mexico.
All of this has happened in less than two years because Votto didn’t officially retire from MLB until August 2024. He was attempting to get back to the big leagues early that season after signing a minor-league deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, but an ankle injury limited him to just 15 games.
Votto spent almost the entirety of his professional career with the Cincinnati Reds. He was a second-round draft pick in 2002, made his MLB debut five years later and played 17 seasons in Cincinnati.
The peak of Votto’s career came in 2010 when he won the NL MVP award. He also made six All-Star teams and won a Gold Glove award.
