The hits just keep on coming — but for once, we're not talking about the COVID-19 wake.
Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto reached a major milestone Monday, nabbing his 2,000th career hit in front of the home crowd at Great American Ball Park. Only four other Reds had reached that milestone: Pete Rose, Barry Larkin, Dave Conceptíon and Johnny Bench.
During the seventh inning of the Aug. 16 game against the Chicago Cubs, Votto knocked a curveball from reliever Michael Rucker into center field. As Cincinnati fans roared, Votto doffed his helmet.
He was ready for his moment, though.
"I was really happy with the 2,000th hit, because before the at-bat, I wanted to make sure my uniform looked good, my socks looked good. I made sure that way, if there’s a highlight, I at least look my best," Votto said after the game. "It was a really good at-bat. I was very happy because the pitcher was throwing very tough pitches that at-bat."
Joining the 2,000-hit club is Votto's third major milestone of the 2021 regular season. The first baseman reached 300 home runs and 1,000 runs batted in earlier this season. He is only the second National League/American League player to achieve 2,000 hits, 300 home runs and 1,000 RBIs in the same season (Cubs Hall-of-Famer Billy Williams earned his in 1971).
The Reds obliged Monday by beating the snot out of the Cubs, winning 14-5.
Votto is great at baseball, but he's also known for appreciating his fans. Earlier this year, a young fan in the stands was devastated after Votto was ejected during the first inning. Later, Votto made his way over to the 6-year-old girl, signing a baseball with "I am sorry I didn't play the entire game."
Below, watch highlights from Votto's post-game media briefing.
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