“What the f**k was that,” Joey Votto was once left SPEECHLESS by Zack Greinke’s tricks during Diamondbacks vs. Reds game
Over the years gone by Zack Greinke and Joey Votto have marked their name in MLB history. Take a look at the tale of mind games between the duo when they faced off against each other
Follow Us
Zack Greinke (left) and Joey Votto (right) [Pic Credit: Arizona Sports/Red Reporter]
Baseball is a professional sport that has been going on for over more than 100 years. In its long history, the game has produced some of the best talents to ever take the field. A game dominated by the dual between pitchers and batters has seen some intense rivals and rivalries ignite. One underrated match-up has been between Zack Greinke and Joey Votto.
The two veterans are entering the twilight of their careers. Both of them have often been labeled by baseball fans as “under-rated” stars. The two players have achieved several accolades in their playing time. The Athletic’s Rustin Dodd has shared a fascinating tale about the ideas and mind games they prepared whenever they were to face each other.
An incident shared by Dodd recalls the meeting of the duo when the Arizona Diamondbacks took on the Cincinnati Reds. At the time, Votto was feared by the pitchers for his incredible sense of vision. The Reds batter was thought to have one of the “best eyes“. His record against Greinke was also impeccable at that moment as he had managed to hit him.
To get the better of Votto, Greinke and his catcher, Jeff Mathias had a long conversation. The former Dodgers pitcher then decided to try a hanging slider in the middle of the zone. To his surprise, Votto had no answer for it. This is when Greinke found out his potential weakness. He threw the same pitch twice and came out on top as the Reds hitter was left swinging his bat.
Recalling this incident later on, Mathis claimed that he really had no idea about this idea. He though would agree with Greinke and let the pitcher follow his instincts. “I just left the game shaking my head like, ‘This son a b****,” Mathis mentioned about this incident. Joey Votto, at that moment, had no idea what had hit him.
Related: Legendary slugger Albert Pujols joins MLB as special assistant to Commissioner Rob Manfred
Zack Greinke and Joey Votto have likely done enough to cement their name in MLB Hall of Fame
In the years gone by, both Zack Greinke and Joey Votto have established themselves as great players. Whether the duo will ever be in the MLB Hall of Fame, is a debate up for the experts. The 39-year-old veteran pitcher is in his 20th season as a major league player. Talking about completing a life cycle, he is back at the helm where it all started for him – the Kansas City Royals.
Greinke who made his debut with the Royals in 2004, has appeared for several teams in his huge career. A six-time All-star in his own right, Greinke was named the AL Cy Young Award winner in 2009. He has also been the league’s MLB ERA leader two times. To top it off, he has managed a staggering 2,932 strikeouts to his name. He would cross the legendary 3,000 K’s mark this season.
Meanwhile, Joey Votto is yet to make an appearance this season. The veteran hitter has been off-the field due to injury concerns. If he does play this season, it will his 17th season in the majors. Another 6-time All-star, Votto has played his entire career with the Reds, since making his debut with them in 2007. With over 2,093 hits and 342 home runs it would be wrong to admit that these two players have aged like a fine wine.
In case you missed it:
WATCH: NY Mets and Pirates fans BRAWL in stands at PNC Park during blowout game
Stay Updated!
/techfirstnow/media/agency_attachments/kATjCXskQdJKkXN0OuqW.png)