Joey Votto Makes Splash in Blue Jays Debut with First-Pitch Homer
Veteran first baseman Joey Votto hit a home run on the first pitch he saw as a Toronto Blue Jay, sparking debate over whether the ball fully cleared the fence.
- Joey Votto, in his spring training debut with the Toronto Blue Jays, hit a 392-foot homer off Philadelphia Phillies ace Zack Wheeler.
- There was initial uncertainty whether Votto's hit fully cleared the fence, but umpires ultimately ruled it a home run.
- The home run marked Votto's first at-bat with the Blue Jays, the team he grew up idolizing, after signing a minor league contract.
- Votto's impressive start comes after a 17-season career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became a six-time All-Star and the 2010 National League MVP.
- Phillies ace Zack Wheeler, despite allowing the homer to Votto, was announced as the opening day starter for the Phillies.
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