Joey Votto, known for his baseball prowess and unique personality, once again showcased his charm in a heartfelt and amusing message he shared on social media to congratulate Joe Mauer on his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
On first base at Target Field during a game, I turn to Joe. ‘Used to watch your batting vids every day after school’ I tell him. Joe smiles and responds, ‘That’s incredibly generous of you, thank you!’ At 34 years old, I was starstruck meeting him. Now, he’s HOF! Congrats, Joe!
— Joey Votto (@JoeyVotto) January 24, 2024
“On first base at Target Field during a game, I turn to Joe. ‘Used to watch your batting vids every day after school,’ I tell him. Joe smiles and responds, ‘That’s incredibly generous of you, thank you!’ At 34 years old, I was starstruck meeting him. Now, he’s HOF! Congrats, Joe!” Votto posted on his social media platform.
Both Joey Votto and Joe Mauer reached the age of 40 in 2023, making them contemporaries in the baseball world. However, Mauer made his MLB debut in 2004 with the Minnesota Twins, while Votto’s debut with the Cincinnati Reds came in 2007. Interestingly, both players remained loyal to their respective teams throughout their careers, with Votto representing the Reds and Mauer the Twins.
Although Mauer earned a well-deserved spot in the Hall of Fame this year alongside Adrian Beltre and Todd Helton, Votto, if given the opportunity to vote, would likely have supported the former catcher’s induction.
During his impressive 15-year MLB career, Joe Mauer boasted a batting average of .306, accumulating 143 home runs and 923 RBIs through 6,930 at-bats and 1,858 games played. His achievements have now earned him a permanent place among baseball legends in the Hall of Fame.