Votto homers on 1st pitch in 1st spring for the Blue Jays

First pitch swinging 😮

It’s @JoeyVotto‘s FIRST homer in a #BlueJays uniform! pic.twitter.com/1cVrONpJ0N

— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 17, 2024

By PAT GRAHAM AP Sports Writer

Joey Votto sure knows how to make an instant impression, going deep on the first pitch he faced as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. Votto lined a 392-foot homer to left-center off Philadelphia ace Zack Wheeler in his inaugural spring training game with Toronto. Granted, there was some debate about whether the ball went out, and Votto momentarily stopped at second base. But the umpires ruled it a homer and he continued on his way home. Home is what led Votto to Toronto in the first place, agreeing to a minor league contract with his hometown Blue Jays after spending 17 seasons with the Reds.