In Nerone’s Notes this week, Joey Votto announces his retirement. Plus, the Cincinnati Bengals conclude their preseason schedule.

Joey Votto retires

Former Cincinnati Reds first baseman Joey Votto retired from baseball on Wednesday. Concluding a 17-year playing career with a social media message. As the Reds concluded their road series against his hometown Toronto Blue Jays. After spending his entire major league playing career with the Reds. Votto strived to conclude his career with the Blue Jays. However, a spring training injury disrupted those plans.

Spending his entire career with one team puts Votto in the company of several baseball legends. From Barry Larkin to Derek Jeter among others. Outside of having a World Series ring, that’s one of the best ways to make a hall of fame case for a ballplayer. Now Votto faces one of life’s most difficult questions. What to do with the next chapter?

Some have suggested Votto go into broadcasting or coaching. Votto has even mentioned the idea of being a school bus driver. As a player, Votto showcased a deep focus, attention to detail and a fun attitude. Those things will carry him far in his future endeavors. Now that Votto has announced his retirement. How will Reds fans and baseball fans generally assess his legacy?

Votto didn’t have the postseason success he and Reds fans hoped for. However, the Reds made it to the postseason four times during Votto’s career. He was a clubhouse leader for much of his career. Along with being a mentor to many Reds rookies over the years. Statistically, Votto makes a good case for being inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Votto won the National League’s Most Valuable Player award in 2010. Along with winning a Gold Glove Award in 2011. He was selected to the MLB All-Star Game six times in his career. Votto concludes his career with 2,135 hits, 356 home runs and 1,144 runs batted in. Induction into the Reds Hall of Fame feels inevitable.

Cincinnati Bengals conclude preseason on ho-hum note

The Bengals concluded their NFL Preseason schedule with a loss on Thursday night. Falling to the Indianapolis Colts 27-14 at Cincinnati’s Paycor Stadium. Many of the Bengals most recognizable players didn’t play in Thursday’s exhibition. Quarterback Joe Burrow only played in one series during the preseason opener. Wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase didn’t play at all.

This preseason was largely reserved for the rookies. Along with players striving to be on the 53-man roster. For what it’s worth, the Bengals concluded their preseason with an 0-3 record. Granted, a preseason record isn’t generally a strong indicator of how a team fares in the regular season. Plus, with many starters not playing in the preseason. I wouldn’t gleam too much from this preseason. The most significant development is that the starters appear healthy going into the regular season.