Joey Votto continues to embrace his villainous persona
The key to being a great villain — or in today’s social media-driven vernacular, a troll — is to embrace the role and live the gimmick every day of your life.
That’s why it’s worked so well for Ric Flair in the professional wrestling world. He embraced the lifestyle for 35 years and ultimately perfected his craft. That’s why it’s working so well for a sports pundit like Skip Bayless. He embraces trolling fans with his opinions, and then laughs all the way to the bank.
Though not quite on that level, Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto is also embracing the villain role this season. Now that he’s gauged the reactions to his trollish moves, he’s milking the attention and the heat it draws. And he’s doing it all with a heelish smirk on his face.
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Check out his latest acts. During Friday’s 3-2 loss to the Nationals in Washington, Votto again had opposing fans thinking he might toss a foul ball into the stands. Then he pulled the carpet right out from under them not once, but twice.
hahah joey votto pic.twitter.com/vpfdhDv2Yw
— ichiro true hit king (@fifthstarter) July 2, 2016
That’s cold, Joey.
Of course, Nationals fans shouldn’t feel alone in this regard. Votto also recently trolled fans in Philadelphia, which you know drew an immense response from the crowd.
There’s the heelish confidence we’re talking about. That part he’s perfected. Just as he’s perfected his paper airplane smashing skills.
lol joey votto pic.twitter.com/acM53kPLtG
— José Rivera (@whoisjoserivera) May 25, 2016
That’s quite a string of evil deeds.
Of course, we’re talking pro wrestling level of tomfoolery here, but when done right that can be the best kind. With that in mind, Votto’s willingness to be that guy is sort of refreshing. Sports need villains, and it appears we’ve only seen the beginning of Votto’s turn to the darkside.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at bigleaguestew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
