Joey Votto's power made his 2023 debut even more meaningful

Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto’s likely Baseball Hall of Fame career has been based on a combination of talent, power, preparation and confidence. But how much precedent is there for a 39-year-old hitter coming off dual surgeries on his shoulder and his biceps?

There was no way to know how good Votto could be in 2023. Heading into Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies and his 2023 debut, Votto said he felt anxiousness, urgency and motivation as he joined a team on an eight-game winning streak. The Reds were competing for first place in the National League Central division, and Votto knew he needed to perform to help the team, stay in the lineup and keep his career going.

“It was a long, daunting rehab,” Votto said. “You have your doubts. When I say you have your doubts, I mean weeks or months ago doubts.”

Votto delivers in 2023 debut

In his first game in over 10 months, Votto crushed a line drive to center field for a lineout in the first inning. Even though it wasn’t a hit, it was a sign that Votto’s power was still there. 

In his next at-bat, Votto pulled a high fly ball to right field. It was a 102-mph line drive that traveled 381 feet. Then in the seventh inning, Votto smoked his hardest line drive of the game, a 108-mph ball up the middle to drive in two runs. Votto’s power was the difference in the Reds’ 5-4 win, and it got them up to first place in the NL Central on Monday night.

“You have to perform,” Votto said. “I want to perform. I expect to perform. It’s intimidating when you have a surgery like that and you’re an older player. People say that’s enough. I’ve got to keep going.”

After Votto’s home run, he said he wasn’t feeling relief or excitement. He felt validation. Votto hoped he’d prove early on he could still hit at a high level. He promised a few friends he’d homer in his first few games.

One of Votto’s biggest strengths is how well he knows his swing and his game. Those traits have helped him predict a significant number of his homers right before they happen. This home run on Monday, though, wasn’t a called shot.

Through months of taxing rehab, Votto prepared for moments like the ones he had against the Rockies. But you don’t know how hard you can hit the ball against an MLB pitcher until you do it in the game.

“You just never know,” said Reds outfielder Nick Senzel, who missed most of the 2021 season with a knee injury. “It’s a long layoff. I’ve been a part of those layoffs. Each day is grueling. It’s a grind to even get to the point he’s at tonight. But that’s 19, man. He’s a Hall of Famer. He’s a special player, hitter and person. We’re witnessing greatness, man.”

“That's Joey Votto, man,” Jonathan India said. “That guy is a legend. He’s back, and this lineup even got 10 times scarier.”

Return to the lineup against left-handed pitching

Votto hit sixth in the order on Monday, which was the first time he had hit in that spot since 2008. He said that this game felt like his debut. This year, he has to prove that he can hit in the top-half of the order. He has to prove that he should stay in the lineup against left-handed pitching. 

During his press conference before the game, he smiled and sounded as excited as he has been during any media availability in the past few years.After the game, Votto was emotional as he reflected on what he accomplished with his return.

“I don’t want to be the odd player out,” Votto said. “Every day, there’s a new player who stands out and does something cool and carries the team. If you’re not doing something cool and taking your turn, you don’t fit in. I just want to fit in on this team.”

Votto made contact three times on Monday, and he hit the ball so well in the small sample size that he began to prove what he brings to the lineup.

“This speaks to how hard he worked,” Reds Manager David Bell said. “He wanted to come back and be a productive player that can help us win and a great player for a long time. He understands how difficult it is. He wanted to make sure he was ready and be back and be a player who can help us win games. He showed that tonight. He deserves all the credit in the world.” 

Votto an integral part of new-look Reds

After Votto’s home run in the fifth inning, he sported the Viking cape and helmet that the Reds have been using to celebrate home runs all season. After the game, Votto said the energy in the Reds’ clubhouse has been keeping him young.

Votto has been invested in the success of the 2023 Reds since the first day of spring training. Right away, he developed even stronger relationships with his teammates in ways like playing chess with Will Benson. He hosted the team’s talent show competition in the spring. 

During the season, Votto has broken down film with teammates, He has shared advice about slumps and given insight on what has made him successful against specific pitchers as his teammates prepared for those matchups. 

“He’s all about what we got going on here,” India said. “He loves it because that’s how he plays. He has the mindset of competing every day and winning every game. He’s a winner. He’s the one that started that mindset. We look up to him.”