CINCINNATI – Throughout his career, former Reds first baseman Joey Votto often showed gratitude or gave back to the community privately and away from the spotlight. However, Votto just provided something to the Reds that's meant for everyone in Cincinnati to see and enjoy.
On Tuesday, the Reds announced that Votto gifted the city of Cincinnati and the Reds a custom-built street clock as a thank you for the support he received during his 22 years with the organization.
“I am excited about giving the clock to the city, the team and its fans,” said Votto. “Being the oldest professional team, I wanted this clock to add to the charm and mystique of the Cincinnati Reds experience.”
The red-and-white trimmed clock, made by Cincinnati's The Verdin Company, is 16 feet, eight inches tall with 36-inch dials on all four sides. It was already erected on Crosley Terrace, outside the main entrance of Great American Ball Park, just in time for Opening Day on Thursday (4:10 ET).
Among the features on the clock: the top finial is hand-painted to resemble a baseball, the wishbone 'C' logo is centered on each dial, which also has Roman numerals.
It also says "Cincinnati Reds" on all four sides.
There are also speakers that play hourly chimes with a variety of music, including, of course, "Take Me Out to the Ball Game."
At the clock's base is a bronze that simply reads: “Thank you Cincinnati," with Votto’s signature.
“We are incredibly grateful and honored to have this beautiful clock adorn the front gates,” Reds president and CEO Phil Castellini said. “Joey made us proud every time he stepped onto the field. And this one-of-a-kind gift from him will continue to inspire and excite everyone who sees it.”
According to The Verdin Company CEO Bob Verdin III, Votto was involved in planning each of the clock's details.
"He wanted his thank you gift to be a showstopper and we are thrilled with how it turned out,” Verdin said.
Taken in the second round of the 2002 Draft, Votto spent 2007-23 in the big leagues with the Reds. A 2010 NL MVP Award winner, the Canadian native was a six-time All-Star who batted .294 with a .920 OPS and 356 home runs in 2,056 games -- all with Cincinnati.