After blowing a nine-point lead the day before against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the midst of a tight playoff race, the Cincinnati Reds played their final regular season home game yesterday afternoon. (Sunday).
If this would not usually arouse passions, it was quite different on this occasion. For veteran Joey Votto, this game was much more important since it could be the last time he plays a game at home, at Great American Ball Park or elsewhere.
And no matter what happens this winter, the Cincinnati crowd made sure to let Votto know they appreciated him by giving him a standing ovation before his first appearance at the plate.
Later in the game, following the 40-year-old’s single in the eighth inning, the crowd gave him another such ovation as he left the field, replaced by a substitute runner.
The person concerned appreciated the gesture, even being moved to tears.
I almost cried. I was so focused on the match that I wasn’t quite there emotionally, but because it took so long, I almost got there. It was a spectacular moment for me. It was as special as it could be.
Votto is currently completing the last guaranteed year of his contract. The Reds hold a $20 million team option for next season, but that includes a seven million dollar buyout that appears more likely to be exercised.
After undergoing shoulder surgery last August and only hitting for a .203 batting average in 61 games in the MLB this campaign, everything suggests that he will hang up his cleats during the season dead.
Let’s hope that he can go some way during the autumn dance to end this very beautiful career in an even more beautiful way.
