Joey Votto was a generational hitter, particularly dominant in the 2010s. However, the former Reds first baseman is still learning that the broadcast jinx can be just as dangerous as he used to be in the box. Votto has been part of NBC's four-man broadcast team, offering on-field analysis throughout the Atlanta Braves' Wild Card series matchup against the Phillies.
On Thursday night, Votto learned a valuable lesson in broadcasting: avoid making predictions, especially when the game is still in the fourth inning. The 2010 NL MVP got a little over his skies early in Zack Wheeler's relief appearance in Game Three. Wheeler had retired four of the first five Atlanta hitters he had faced, and looked to be on his way to shutting the Braves offense down.
Hilariously, Wheeler's early success was enough for Votto to say, "As good as Zack Wheeler looks — this game is as in play as it gets — I do not see the Braves scoring any more runs the rest of the way." Just five pitches later, the Braves did indeed score some runs in emphatic fashion.
Joey Votto learning about the Broadcaster Jinx in real time. 😂
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 2, 2026
"I do not see the Braves scoring any more runs the rest of the way." pic.twitter.com/iGhyj5sSJe
Joey Votto's hilarious broadcast jinx immediately proceeds Ozzie Albies' epic Game Three homer
Votto offers this bold fourth inning prediction with Austin Riley at the plate, who ended up working a walk in the plate appearance. Next, Ozzie Albies came to bat, and on the second pitch of the at-bat, Atlanta's second baseman smoked a 96 mph fastball deep over the right field wall. Ozzie's 419 ft blast was the second-longest in the last two years and sent Truist Park into a frenzy.
The laughs at Votto's expense were not limited to social media, as Braves analyst C.J. Nitkowski quickly poked fun at Votto's blunder by telling him not to check his mentions. Over the course of the Wild Card series, the four-man announce team had a fair share of odd moments.
Ray Kerr will rightfully get most of the headlines, but Ozzie's homer gave the team some much needed breathing room. Credit to Albies too, as the longest tenured Brave had a very solid Wild Card series against a great Philadelphia pitching staff.
Thankfully, as the Braves advance to play the Dodgers in the NLDS, fans can probably expect more of the traditional sound with their broadcast team. Votto was known for having an elite eye at the plate, but it seems he is still learning how to have an ear for the moment in the broadcasting world. Thursday's viral moment will certainly be a learning experience for Votto, and hopefully the Braves get a couple more announcers ready to share unnecessary predictions against the Braves.
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