Joey Votto's trip to the Field of Dreams means more than he had imagined

DYERSVILLE — The first pitch of the 2022 MLB Field of Dreams game hasn't happened yet and Cincinnati Reds all-star Joey Votto already had his favorite moment.

As the team drove in from the Dubuque airport to the field site in Dyersville, they were met by fans on the side of the road.

"People on the side of the road waving hello, wishing us luck," Votto told the Register. "Who are we? We're just fortunate. We're lucky to be here. So for them to be so generous and welcoming, it means a lot to me. It's very, very memorable."

Votto watched "Field of Dreams" again Wednesday night. He took to Twitter to explain what the movie meant to him, saying that he and his late father loved the movie. Playing catch was Votto's favorite memory with his late father. The movie's ending, in which main character Ray Kinsella and the ghost of his father have “a catch” is particularly memorable to him.

On Thursday, Votto finally arrived to the site that means so much to him. And when he walked onto the field for the first time, it meant far more than he could've imagined.

"I never thought that I would visit the field," Votto said. "And now that I'm here, I didn't realize how meaningful it would feel when I arrived. So seeing the original field now (and) the stadium, to me it's a very memorable moment."

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Votto reflected on what it would've meant for his father to see him play on this field in person.

"He would've been stoked," Votto said. "He would have been very excited. He would have come. We would have tried to play catch on the field and take pictures together. It would have meant a lot to me, and it would've meant a lot to him."

Votto noted that while the fanfare is great, he was focused on the task at hand: winning Thursday night's game vs. the Chicago Cubs. He said the ability to focus while on a big stage or in a new environment is a skill developed over a career. The 38-year old understands that routine is critical to be successful in pro baseball. It's a lesson that younger players like rookie Nick Lodolo, the Reds' starting pitcher Thursday night, will have to accomplish in order to win.

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"Developing that habit is essential for any player," Votto said. "When in doubt, go to your routine. And it's tough with a new environment, a different travel schedule. Everything is different, but if you can anchor yourself with your routine, that I think will serve you well."

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News that the MLB won't return to Dyersville for a Field of Dreams game in 2023 placed an even bigger spotlight on Thursday's contest. Votto emphasized how lucky he and his teammates are to play in this game. They'll make sure to cherish it while playing hard and trying to win.

"We're very lucky," Votto said. "We recognize that this is a special game and we've been invited and we're here to attend. So we're very, very lucky. I hope that we realize that.

"I'm very glad that I get to take part in this before my career ends."

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Joey Votto opens up on Field of Dreams connection ahead of first pitch