Former Reds 1B Joey Votto announces retirement

(Photo credit: Kareem Elgazzar / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Joey Votto, a six-time All-Star and former MVP during his 17 major league seasons as a first baseman for the Cincinnati Reds, announced his retirement on Wednesday via Instagram.

"I was myself in this sport," Votto wrote in part of his Instagram post. "I was able to be my best self. I played this sport with every last ounce of my body, heart, and mind."

Votto, 40, had