As the fall colors signal baseball’s offseason, the Cincinnati Reds’ decision to decline Joey Votto’s contract option for 2024 stirs a mix of emotions for this lifelong fan. For nearly two decades, Votto has been a constant in the Queen City, embodying the Reds’ spirit with a blend of poise, power, and a knack for getting on base that has etched his name in the annals of baseball lore.