Canadian baseball star Joey Votto announces retirement after 17 MLB seasons

Canadian baseball star Joey Votto is retiring.

The 40-year-old first baseman announced his retirement in an Instagram post Wednesday evening.

Votto played 17 MLB seasons, earning six all-star selections, one Gold Glove and a 2010 National League MVP award.

After playing his entire Major League career with the Reds, the Toronto native signed a minor-league contract with his hometown Blue Jays last spring.

Votto had one home run, four RBI and a .143 batting average with Triple-A Buffalo this season. He never earned a call-up to the Blue Jays.

Toronto hosted Cincinnati in the finale of a three-game series Wednesday night.