In a surprising turn of events, Cincinnati Reds' legendary first baseman, Joey Votto, has announced the end of his storied Major League Baseball (MLB) career. Known for his remarkable on-base percentage and multiple seasons with a 1.000-plus OPS, Votto's retirement comes after a season of playing in the minor leagues in pursuit of a comeback to the MLB.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Votto amassed an impressive record, achieving 2,135 hits and 1,365 walks in 8,746 plate appearances. However, it was his final plate appearance that will be etched in the memories of fans and players alike for years to come.

During a game, after an inside pitch was called a strike, Votto expressed his discontent from the dugout towards home plate umpire, Shane Livensparger. The confrontation escalated quickly, resulting in Votto's ejection from the game. Little did he know that this would mark not only the end of the game but also the end of his remarkable career.

Speaking about the incident on the Dan Patrick Show, Votto explained the chain of events that led to his ejection. Frustrated by the call, Votto had examined the at-bat on an iPad and concluded that the pitch was not a strike. Challenging Livensparger, he admitted to venting his frustrations out of turn, drawing the umpire's ire and ultimately being thrown out of the game.

In a somewhat lighthearted exchange, Votto recalls his conversation with Livensparger, where he expressed his disbelief at the call, proclaiming, "This could be my last game!" In response, the umpire retorted, "Then why'd you get thrown out, Joey?" Acknowledging his mistake and with a sense of humor, Votto apologized and wished Livensparger a good game before leaving the field.

This incident marked the fifteenth and final time that Votto was ejected from an MLB game, adding a remarkable twist to the ending of his career. In a fitting fashion, known for his ability to get on base, his final appearance in an MLB game ended with a hit against the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 24th, 2023, in Cincinnati.

Joey Votto's departure from the MLB leaves a void in the sport, as his skill, passion, and remarkable ability to reach base will be sorely missed. As baseball fans reflect on his remarkable career, they will undoubtedly remember not only his impressive statistics but also the unforgettable and somewhat comical manner in which his final game came to a close.