WATCH: Reds’ Joey Votto wanders the crowd wearing Barry Larkin jersey, greets fans during game vs. Red Sox

Shoulder surgical procedure ended Joey Votto’s season on Aug. 16, however that hasn’t saved the Cincinnati Reds first baseman away from the ballpark. Votto has made a number of appearances within the Bally Sports activities Ohio tv broadcast sales space in latest weeks and, throughout Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Boston Pink Sox (CIN 5, BOS 1), he wandered the Nice American Ball Park stands greeting followers.

This is Votto roaming the ballpark whereas carrying Corridor of Famer Barry Larkin’s No. 11 jersey:

“Most individuals weren’t blissful to see me. They had been simply complimenting the jersey,” Votto joked after becoming a member of the published sales space within the center innings. “They had been simply so excited to see me in a Larkin jersey. Protecting up the dad bod? Completely, sure.”

Votto added: “I’ve by no means walked the stands and I’ve all the time needed to see what a Reds recreation is like dwell. I’ve all the time needed to join with the followers and I used to be capable of take a tour of the stadium. And it’s, initially, lovely. And the followers appear blissful to see me. And they had been shocked. However the widespread theme was the compliments with the jersey. I borrowed this jersey from Tyler Stephenson. Not way back, you signed it for him. And I do not know, I felt an actual pep in my step carrying this jersey. And took somewhat tour like I stated of the stadium. It was such an amazing expertise. So many nice locations to take a seat right here. It is a lovely night time. I do not know, I do not know why I did it. However I began it simply hoping to say hi there. After which I ended up going round the whole stadium. Full expertise.”

Previous to the sport, Votto was honored on the sector as Cincinnati’s nominee for the celebrated Roberto Clemente Award. The award is given yearly “to the participant who greatest represents the sport of baseball by way of extraordinary character, group involvement, philanthropy and constructive contributions, each on and off the sector.”

Votto, 39, hit .205/.319/.370 with 11 residence runs in 91 video games earlier than needing surgical procedure.