“I Want to Sincerely Apologize” – Red Legend Joey Votto Takes Accountability After Broadcast Jinx Caused Braves Hate Allegations
“I Want to Sincerely Apologize” – Red Legend Joey Votto Takes Accountability After Broadcast Jinx Caused Braves Hate Allegations
Safeer MS Sat, October 3, 2026 at 5:59 PM UTC
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Joey Votto with his broadcast team (Source - @joeyvotto/Instagram)
Cincinnati Reds legend Joey Votto came under scrutiny for his commentary during the Philadelphia Phillies vs. Atlanta Braves National League Wild Card Series Game 3. Votto, who was NBC’s field-level analyst for the game, has now apologized on X on Thursday.
During the broadcast, Votto predicted the Braves wouldn’t score runs with Zack Wheeler on the mound when the Phillies trailed 3-0. However, Wheeler walked Austin Riley, and Ozzie Albies hit a two-run home run over the course of the next few pitches. The Braves won the game, 6-2.
Fans on social media alleged Votto, a six-time All-Star and 2010 NL MVP with the Reds, hates the Braves, but the retired MLB slugger has now clarified that it’s not the case. Nevertheless, he also predicted the Braves would lose against the Dodgers.
“Braves fans, I want to sincerely apologize for guessing so incorrectly, dismissing your offense. I hear you. Good luck in your next series in Los Angeles. Dodgers in 5,” Votto wrote on X.
Votto’s work on the broadcast concluded after the Wild Card Series, per Yahoo Sports. NBC doesn’t hold any postseason broadcast rights beyond the Wild Card round. Still, he might return as a studio analyst for MLB Network during the 2026 World Series.
Joey Votto Pokes Fun at Pitching Analyst
Rob Friedman, popularly known as “Pitching Ninja,” was among those on X who poked fun at Joey Votto’s broadcast jinx. Friedman shared the clip of Votto’s prediction and Ozzie Albies’ subsequent home run on X midway through the Phillies vs. Braves game.
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“Joey Votto learning about the Broadcaster Jinx in real time. 😂 ‘I do not see the Braves scoring any more runs the rest of the way,'” he captioned the post.
Votto reshared the post just a few hours later and captioned it in seven words. The former Reds slugger is known for his funny interactions on social media. Therefore, his words on social media aren’t meant to be taken seriously.
“Rob, you just made an online enemy,” Votto wrote.
Friedman responded with kind words after Votto’s “enemy” remark. The pitching analyst commented on Votto’s post:
“Aww…I still love you Joey. 🫶 I think I speak for all Atlantans when I say ‘thank you’ for that jinx help.”
Friedman is best known for his detailed mechanical breakdown of baseball pitches. He works as an analyst for MLB, ESPN, Fox Sports, Peacock, NESN and more.
Also Read:
“He’s Not Zack Wheeler” – Cubs Legend Takes Issue With Phillies’ Decision to Start Aaron Nola in Wild Card Series Defeat
“Manny Machado Was Just Misunderstood” – Orioles Legend Pushes Back Against ‘Knucklehead’ Label Attached to $350M Padres Superstar
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
