Votto's old mates grateful for 'honour'

Former Red makes surprise visit to visitor's clubhouse after Wednesday's game in Toronto

- GREGOR CHISHOLM

By the time Joey Votto posted his retirement announcement to Instagram on Wednesday night, the Cincinnati Reds were just minutes away from first pitch of their series finale against the Blue Jays.

With a game to focus on, almost everyone on the Reds was blissfully unaware that their former teammate had decided to hang up his cleats. It was only during the postgame celebration following an II-7 victory that word began to trickle throughout the clubhouse.

The reaction was a mix of shock and sadness followed by smiles and laughter as the players shared their favourite stories of the all-time great. Any disappointment they might have been feeling about Votto not getting called up to play in the series was soon replaced with hugs and fist bumps as the lifelong Red made a surprise visit to their clubhouse after the game.