Reds star Joey Votto Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto (19) is recognized by the crowd before his first at-bat of the season in the second inning of a baseball game between the Colorado Rockies and the Cincinnati Reds, Monday, June 19, 2023, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
FeaturedMLBBy Reice Shipley on

The last time that Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto took the field for the team, the Reds were amongst the worst teams in baseball. He returned to the team that now looks drastically different after nearly a year-long absence on Monday, and fit in perfectly with a terrific game.

Cincinnati has brought up an influx of young talents recently that has drastically improved the team. The Reds came into Monday’s game against the Colorado Rockies riding an eight-game winning streak, and Votto played a big role in keeping that alive.

Votto got a huge ovation from the home crowd at Great American Ball Park, which is to be expected considering he has spent his entire 16-year career with the Reds.

His first at-bat resulted in a pop-up to first base. He made his impact on the game on his second time at the plate, hitting his first home run of the year which certainly got the crowd up and out of their seats.

He wasn’t done there, coming through with a clutch bases-loaded single to bring in two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning.

More importantly, the Reds would go on to win their ninth consecutive game, and take the lead of the NL Central in the process.

Many were pleased to see Votto succeed in his return and fit in perfectly with this new look Reds team.

Votto discussed his return after the game, where he thanked the Reds fans for their continued support.

“I have to say thank you to the Reds fans, anyone in Cincinnati, any Reds fan who gave me so much support today. This is your team, and I know that all you want is for us to play well. For us to earn that championship that you deserve. For you to support me, it means a great deal to me. I’m so glad to be back.”

[Cincinnati Reds on Twitter]

About Reice Shipley

Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.

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