When Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto sparked debate with his unconventional take on Canadian baseball

In May 2018, Cincinnati Reds star Joey Votto sparked debate with his unconventional take on Canadian baseball on the "Yahoo! Sports podcast." It came as a shock, as he's a Canadian-American, so playing down his roots was something fans did not expect.

Previously, Joey represented Team Canada in the second and third editions of the World Baseball Classics (2009, 2013). Moreover, he took home the Lou Marsh Award as Canada’s "Athlete of the Year" in 2010 and 2017.

“I don’t care almost at all about Canadian baseball,” said Votto. I wasn’t raised inside of Canadian baseball really. I’m coming up on half of my life being in the United States working and being supported by American baseball.”

"Joey Votto apologizes after saying ‘I don’t care’ about Canadian baseball." - Kevin McGran

Later, Votto came up with an apology, saying that he was 'terribly ashamed', and that his remarks were 'ridiculously selfish and short-sighted'.

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Joey Votto's offensive comment came after he was asked about a fellow Canadian MLB player's achievement

James Paxton of the New York Yankees

Apparently, on Yahoo! Sports Major League Baseball podcast, the Reds' Joey Votto was asked about former Seattle Mariners pitcher James Paxton being the first Canadian to throw a no-hitter on his home turf.

Votto's belittling response about Canada came out of pure jealousy, which was later confessed by the Reds star himself.

"When asked about baseball in Canada, the Blue Jays and specifically this event, it took me back to the times and my resentment for not making Team Canada in high school, not being drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays out of high school, or not being picked for the Olympic team while in the minor leagues. Clearly my reply came out of a side of jealousy for a Canadian baseball athlete being celebrated in the city of Toronto. It was an odd reply and one I am terribly ashamed of," said Votto.

"BREAKING: James Paxton of the Seattle Mariners just threw the 6th no-hitter in team history!" - Kiro 7

In 2023, Reds' homegrown star Joey Votto is set to enter his final season with the organization. He made his MLB debut in 2007 in Cincinnati against the New York Mets.