There were always two types of kids in school: Those who winged it on an upcoming test because, hey, it's supposed to test what you know not what you remember, and those that crammed until they forgot their name, but could recite the complete works of Shakespeare.

Joey Votto is the second kind of student.

Known as one of the most thoughtful and introspective players in the game, Votto came to the plate in the bottom of the 10th with a chance to beat the Royals in a knotted 5-5 game. The only problem? He had to face Josh Steaumont, a pitcher he had never seen before.

So, Votto quickly hit the books before to familiarize himself with Steaumont's scouting report. It worked out.

Steaumont tried to sneak a first-pitch fastball, but Votto was expecting it and he drove it to the wall for a walk-off double. Yeah, it probably didn't hurt that the fastball was down the middle, but hey, Votto was ready for it.

It's just another example of how seriously Votto approaches his craft at the plate. Votto entered Wednesday's action with an 11/3 BB/K ratio, which is the kind of patient performance the game hasn't seen since Barry Bonds in 2004.

If you want to hear more about the first baseman's approach, check out this great interview he did with Fox Sports Ohio's Jim Day last year:

And then spend some more time listening to Votto talk about the adjustments he's made during his career. If you study like Votto, maybe you can hit like him, too (but probably not).