Cincinnati Reds franchise icon Joey Votto has gifted the team and the city a custom-built Verdin street clock ahead of Opening Day on Thursday.Votto, 42, played 17 seasons with the Reds before he became a free agent and retired during the 2024 season.A six-time All Star, Votto hit .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs, 1,144 runs batted in and 459 doubles. He won the National League’s MVP award in 2010.The Reds said Votto donated the clock, which sits outside the main entrance to Great American Ball Park, as a thank you for his time with the organization, which spanned 22 years.“I am excited about giving the clock to the city, the team and its fans,” said Votto. “Being the oldest professional team, I wanted this clock to add to the charm and mystique of the Cincinnati Reds experience.”The clock is red with a white trim, while the top finial is hand‑painted to resemble a baseball, and each clock face includes “Cincinnati” across the top and “Reds” along the bottom. The clock faces also feature Roman numerals and the iconic Reds wishbone “C” centered on each dial.The clock also features speakers that can play chimes hourly and a wide range of music, including Take Me Out to the Ballgame.“Joey was involved in planning every detail. He wanted his thank you gift to be a showstopper and we are thrilled with how it turned out,” said The Verdin Company CEO Bob Verdin III.
CINCINNATI —
Cincinnati Reds franchise icon Joey Votto has gifted the team and the city a custom-built Verdin street clock ahead of Opening Day on Thursday.
Votto, 42, played 17 seasons with the Reds before he became a free agent and retired during the 2024 season.
A six-time All Star, Votto hit .294/.409/.511 with 356 home runs, 1,144 runs batted in and 459 doubles. He won the National League’s MVP award in 2010.
The Reds said Votto donated the clock, which sits outside the main entrance to Great American Ball Park, as a thank you for his time with the organization, which spanned 22 years.
“I am excited about giving the clock to the city, the team and its fans,” said Votto. “Being the oldest professional team, I wanted this clock to add to the charm and mystique of the Cincinnati Reds experience.”
The clock is red with a white trim, while the top finial is hand‑painted to resemble a baseball, and each clock face includes “Cincinnati” across the top and “Reds” along the bottom. The clock faces also feature Roman numerals and the iconic Reds wishbone “C” centered on each dial.
The clock also features speakers that can play chimes hourly and a wide range of music, including Take Me Out to the Ballgame.
“Joey was involved in planning every detail. He wanted his thank you gift to be a showstopper and we are thrilled with how it turned out,” said The Verdin Company CEO Bob Verdin III.