Joey Votto's career in Major League Baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. With the Canadian ballplayer's potential retirement looming, it's only normal that the media discusses his candidacy for the Hall of Fame.
In an interview with MLB Network's Chris "Mad Dog" Russo, Votto playfully called him out for claiming he and Kansas City Royals pitcher Zack Greinke belonged in the "Hall of Very Good Ballplayers."
"I think Zack and I would agree, you may be right," Votto said. "But I get the gist of what's going on here. I know what you're doing. You're looking down on us. A couple small market midwest ballplayers, just because we're not big city just like you. Mr. New York City! Sirius XM radio star!"
Votto continued slamming Russo for his alleged bias and made fun of him for his New York style.
"Mr. National Televsion!" Votto continued. "ESPN star with your fifth avenue ties and your crisp pocket squares, your tailored suits and your polished shoes and your hair! Your perfectly coiffed Broadway hair! Must be nice to sit atop that Madison Avenue ivory tower looking down on us with those luscious locks."
"Not everyone can be the next Roger Peckinpaugh, Mad Dog. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're a disgrace!" Votto said.
Russo must have known this was all a bit as he struggled to maintain a straight face during Votto's impassioned soliloquy. He broke at the end before bursting into laughter.
Votto hasn't retired yet, but with over 2000 hits and 350 home runs, he certainly has a shot of making the Hall of Fame.
The Cincinnati Reds are enjoying a strong season, holding down second place in the NL Central division with a 56-48 record. Given this may be Votto's last season in the majors, the team will look to make a deep playoff run during the postseason.
