On June 30, Joey Votto crushed a 0-1 cutter from Padres starter Joe Musgrove into the right field stands for home run number 10 of the year, but more importantly, RBI number 1,000 on his career. Votto has enjoyed an incredible 15 year career as a Cincinnati Red. Votto is a six time all-star, one time Gold Glove winner and a one time MVP. Along with those accolades, Votto has collected nearly 2,000 hits, over 300 home runs and posted a .417 career OBP. Looking back on the career of Joey Votto, there have been a plethora of memorable moments. To celebrate the 1,000th RBI, here is a look at Joey Votto’s most iconic RBIs thus far in his career.
September 5, 2007
RBI number 1
On September 5, 2007, a 23-year-old Votto was given his first opportunity to start at the major league level. In the 2nd inning, Votto connected with his first career home run, a solo shot off Mets starter John Maine. This was also his first career RBI, in just his second career at bat. Votto finished the game a perfect 3 for 3 to boost the Reds to a 7-0 win.
The first RBI was a memorable shot for Votto, like it is for every player that has reached the feat. For Votto, the first RBI jumpstarted a lengthy 15 year career.
September 11, 2010
RBI number 286
On September 11, 2010, the Reds were locked in a 4 to 4 game against division rival, the Pittsburgh Pirates, heading to the bottom of the 10th. Votto was in the midst of a great season, which would finish with him winning the NL MVP award. What better way to cement an MVP level season than his first career walk off home run?
In the bottom of the 10th, Votto connected with a Justin Thomas pitch for a walk off home run, sending Great American Ball Park into a frenzy. It was his first career walk off home run and RBI number 286 on the young star’s career.
April 30, 2021
RBI number 981
The number 300 career home runs is often used as a good way to tell the elite power hitters in MLB history. On, April 30, 2021, Joey Votto established himself as an elite power hitter when he blasted his 300th career home run and 981 RBI, to put the Reds ahead of the Cubs 3-2.
Votto became the 152nd player to club 300 home runs. Even at 37, Votto still holds a tremendous amount of power.
June 30, 2021
RBI number 1,000
Votto sat at 999 career RBIs as he stepped to the plate against Padres starter Joe Musgrove. In a 1-0 count, Musgrove fired a 91 MPH cutter right in the wheel house of the 37-year-old veteran. Votto hit a 401 foot home run that gave him an even 1,000 career RBIs.
There are a few interesting similarities between Vottos first career RBI and his 1000th career RBI. First, both of them came on solo home runs. A more interesting fact though, is that both of the pitchers that surrendered each solo shot had the same initials, J. M., Joe Musgrove for 1000th RBI and John Maine for the first RBI.
Conclusion
As Votto continues to rack up achievements and records to add to his Hall of Fame resume, it is hard to not look forward to the next milestone. Next, Votto looks to join an exclusive club, the 2,000 hit club. There have only been 278 players in the history of the game to hit this mark, making it a rather impressive accomplishment.
Votto currently sits at 1,958 career hits, just 42 shy of joining the club.
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