Blue Jays make major announcement regarding Joey Votto

Thank you to my parents, Wendy and Joe, for giving me everything I needed to fulfill my dream of becoming a professional baseball player. Thank you to my brother, Tyler Votto, for throwing me wiffle balls for all those years (ha ha, you are the best. I had to write this.). To Warren and Nick for the years of hitting together as high schooler's. The Etobicoke community for supporting me as a youth player. Oakville, Queensway, Kingsway, Bloordale, Thunderbirds, and Bob Smyth and the Etobicoke Rangers for raising me as a youth baseball player. Mark Capone is STILL better.
As a pro, Leon Roberts and Freddie Benavides were my guys. They made me who I was as a pro player. Thank you to them!
As a major league player, Dusty Baker and Scott Rolen taught me how to be a pro's pro. My man Jay Bruce, can you run? can you hit? can you throw? Then go play. So many great teammates.
«Now-a you're loose.» - Geno 🫸🫷🫸🫷
1 am hitting off a tee at GABP with M Lincoln
«Sometimes you gotta take your medicine.» - Mesoraco
Paul?
«Hello Ni�o» - La Piedra
«Sometimes you lose» Philly Woo
Sup Bash Bro - Adam Duvall
Hello Richard!
«Got an iron?» Griffey Jr
Tokki 1
MJ the 🐐
Smokestacks 🎯
«GOAT-y»

Toronto + Canada, I wanted to play in front of you. Sigh, I tried with all my heart to play for my people. I'm just not good anymore. Thank you for all the support during my attempt.

Cincinnati, I've only played for you. I love you.

Finally, to the MLB fans. You energized me with your cheers, I loved the boos, the trash talk, the moments where I broke a road cities moment, or was humbled on stage.
I'll never forget, early in my career, my first time at Wrigley Field and the crowd standing and cheering toward my failure. I remember standing at the plate, smiling and thinking, this is my home. I belong here.
I was myself in this sport. I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind.
Thank you for everything.
-Joey Votto