Top 5 Joey Votto Home Runs at Great American Ball Park (Video)
September 17, 2010
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Posted by Mike Rosenbaum
It has been nearly a week since the Cincinnati Reds first basemen, Joey Votto, launched a 10th inning, walk-off home run, deep into the left-centerfield bleachers at Great American Ball Park. The opposite field blast was his 16th of the season—he now has 17—and only added to his already impressive resume for the N.L. M.V.P. In my personal opinion, Joey Votto has clearly been the best hitter in all of baseball over the course of the 2010 season.
When I say best hitter, I’m not just referring to what is reflected by his robust slashes of 320/.419/.588. Rather, what makes Votto the best hitter in baseball is the consistency in his approach to every at-bat, and his ability to crush any mistake that a pitcher makes. He recognizes pitches and maintains a selectiveness that simply cannot be taught; it’s the type of thing that elevates a player to superstar status.
I hate to make this comparison, but the way that the ball flies off of Votto’s bat, as well his capacity to drive any pitch in any location, is reminiscent of Barry Bonds route of all MLB pitching in 2001. The future N.L. MVP has not made an out via an infield pop up all season, a feat that in today’s age is unheard of. Votto simply exudes a supreme level of confidence that is evident in literally everything that he does on the baseball field.
His dismount after connecting on a “no-doubter,” is the epitome of Votto’s confidence. Some may interpret it as cocky or as a form of showboating, but I’ve always viewed it as a reflection of what Votto expects from himself in every at-bat; the expression on his face seems like his first thought is, “Yeah, that’s about right.” This season, it seems as though the best Votto dismounts have come at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Whatever level of confidence that he displays on the road, it is ten fold when playing at home.
Therefore, as a tribute to the most impressive hitter in baseball, here are the Top 5 Joey Votto home runs at the Great American Ball Park:
5) September 11, 2010 402 ft. Watch
4) May 23, 2009 426 ft. Watch
3) May 18, 2010 457 ft. Watch
2) April 21, 2008 454 ft. Watch
1) July 16, 2009 473 ft. Watch
I love this post. The dismount!
I just realized I was there May 23rd, 2009. It was one of the most explosive home runs I remember seeing in person to date. He hit two that night if memory serves me correct.