Williams' inbox: What the heck's going on with Joey Votto? He's facing retirement reality
Email and ask columnist Jason Williams anything − sports or non-sports – and he’ll pick some of your messages and respond on Cincinnati.com throughout the week. Contact Jason at jwilliams@enquirer.com
Subject: Joey Votto's social media posts
Message: Joey Votto's social media posts are entertaining. They've also been a little odd lately. What do you think is going on with him?
Reply: It seems a lot is going on.
Votto has often been creative and had fun with this social media posts, and his content about not being in spring training is no different. He loves the fans and knows they're entertained.
It also seems like the posts are his way of coping with the reality that his playing career is likely over. He truly believes he can still play, though his injuries and production the last few years suggest otherwise. A decade ago, there'd be a roster spot somewhere for Votto as a veteran pinch-hitter off the bench. But that job is extinct in today's game with the DH in the National League and teams carrying 13 pitchers.
Votto seems bored, which is understandable. He was 19 when he first went to spring training with the Reds in 2003 and had been going every year until now. It's all he's known his adult life.
We all know a friend, family member or former coworker who's struggled with the transition to retirement. But most of them didn't abruptly transition from the yearslong bright lights and adrenaline rush of the coliseum where thousands of people adore you to a life of peace and quiet.
Thousands won't be showing up at the ballpark all summer wearing "Jim" shirts, but they'll be wearing No. 19 Votto jerseys. (The Reds team shop will no longer sell Votto jerseys and shirts off the rack this season. But Votto jerseys can be custom made in store, I was told when I called the shop.)
We often assume our sports heroes will easily slide into retirement and enjoy their families and riches. But it's not easy to go from being The Man to a man. Checkout ESPN's 30 for 30 library for plenty of examples.
It might take the season for Votto to move on from the idea that he can still play. That's OK. He stayed in the big leagues for so long, in part, because he was always willing and able to make adjustments at the plate. He'll eventually make the adjustment and get on the retirement bus.
And for any fans still holding out hope Votto could play again for the Reds, you should also make an adjustment. It's not going to happen.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: What the heck's going on with former Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto?
