Joey Votto is already making his mark in the postseason, and he hasn’t even called a pitch yet.
The former Cincinnati Reds first baseman, now part of NBC’s broadcast team for the National League Wild Card Series between the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies, used his familiar brand of dry humor to take aim at a pair of fanbases on playoff watch. His targets: the Chicago Cubs and New York Yankees.
Votto’s first shot came after the Cubs’ social media team posted a hype video meant to pump up fans ahead of their series against the San Diego Padres. Votto responded on X, “Let me check Surfline for you.
You can stay in the area post series, enjoy the waves. It’s beautiful in SD this time of year.
Pads in 2,”
He didn’t stop there. When the Yankees rolled out their postseason slogan - “One Team.
One City. One Goal.
This is the Postseason.” - Votto answered with a line that twisted the message right back at them: “One round. Sox in 3.”
The jokes fit Votto’s post-playing personality perfectly. During his career, he built a reputation as one of the game’s most thoughtful and measured voices, the kind of player who could turn a media question into a mini lecture. But he’s also shown a playful side more openly since retiring, whether that’s dressing up as a Canadian mountie for an MLB Network interview or leaning into his “Gym Day with Jim Day” conversation with Reds broadcaster Jim Day.
Cincinnati was knocked out of the playoffs a few weeks ago, leaving Nick Krall, Terry Francona, and the rest of the organization to regroup this offseason. Still, if you’re looking for some extra entertainment during Tuesday and Wednesday’s playoff action, Votto should provide it while the Braves and Phillies square off.
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