Reds' Joey Votto reveals the humorous reason behind his socks

Cincinnati Reds great Joey Votto has been among the few to rock the old-school high-sock look on the diamond. However, in a recent interview with Ian Hanomansing of the CBC, Votto revealed the humorous motivation behind the fashion choice. 

"It's an illusion to appear more athletic," Votto said.

Votto explained the origins of this behavior stemmed from a retreating hairline earlier in his career. 

"My hair started thinning when I was like 30, and I shaved my head," Votto said. "I shaved my head because I was like, 'I want to play well, and I don't ever want to look at my hair and have that tell me that I'm getting older." 

As the years passed, Votto graduated from head shaving to updating his wardrobe. 

"I was like, 'I want to feel athletic,'" Votto said. "And so, for the last, like, six or seven years, I've been wearing my pants up so I can trick myself into feeling athletic."

"Look good, play good" was popularized by Pro Football Hall of Famer and two-sport dynamo Deion Sanders long ago. Years later, Votto appears to have taken that philosophy to heart. But who could argue if a former MVP and six-time All-Star believes it helps his performance on the field? 

Still, father time waits for no one and entering the final guaranteed season of a 10-year, $225M contract, Votto's time with the Reds is likely nearing its end regardless of his on-the-field get-up. 

The 39-year-old may be a franchise legend, but he's coming off the worst statistical season of his career and is still making his way back from rotator cuff surgery in August. 

While still confident in his abilities, Votto isn't under any illusions about the length of his career, telling Bobby Nightengale of the Cincinnati Enquirer last week that he won't be one of the old-timers that hang around the game too long. 

"I mean this, seriously, I think I'm going to play well," Votto said. "I think I'm going to perform well offensively. If not, I'm going to retire. End of story."