Rockies Icon Charlie Blackmon to Retire After This Season

Charlie Blackmon, a four-time All-Star, has announced his retirement from Major League Baseball at the end of the current season. He has spent his entire career with the Colorado Rockies, making his retirement a significant moment for both the player and the franchise.

The 38-year-old outfielder revealed his decision on Monday. As a tribute, the Rockies will honor Blackmon during their final homestand this week, culminating in a special ceremony before the season-ending game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

During his impressive 14 seasons with the Rockies, Blackmon has established himself as a franchise legend. He holds the record for the most triples in the team’s history, with a total of 67. Additionally, Blackmon ranks second in multiple key categories, including games played with 1,618, runs scored at 991, hits with 1,797, and doubles at 333. He also boasts an impressive record of 626 extra-base hits and 2,942 total bases. A highlight of his career came in 2017 when he won the National League batting title with an impressive average of .331.

In a heartfelt Instagram post, Blackmon reflected on his journey, saying, “As a kid, you play the game because you love it, like nothing else matters. I still play the game that way, but I don’t feel like a kid anymore. My perspective has changed.” He expressed gratitude for the city of Denver and the Rockies organization, acknowledging the support he received from teammates and fans throughout his career. Blackmon concluded with a sentiment filled with appreciation, stating, “It is with a thankful heart and a career’s worth of memories that I choose a new path.”

Drafted by the Rockies in the second round of the 2008 first-year player draft from Georgia Tech, Blackmon made his major league debut on June 7, 2011, against San Diego. He has since accumulated a .292 batting average, along with 226 home runs and 148 stolen bases, as he approaches the last few games of his distinguished career. His contributions to the team have also earned him the Silver Slugger award twice.

Rockies owner Dick Monfort shared his emotional response to Blackmon’s retirement plans, stating, “When Charlie told me of his plans to retire, I got a little emotional, as I’m sure many fans will when they see the news that one of the greatest Rockies of all time will no longer take the field.” He praised Blackmon for his unwavering passion and dedication, which shone through every game played during his tenure. Monfort expressed deep appreciation, declaring, “Charlie is a Rockie to his core.”

As he wraps up his baseball career, Blackmon’s journey has touched the lives of many fans and left an indelible mark on the Rockies organization. He hinted at embracing the next chapter of his life in his Instagram post, saying, “I’ll hop over that fence, pickle the beast and embrace the next phase of my life.”

With such a storied career behind him, the Rockies and their fans look forward to honoring Charlie Blackmon’s legacy in a fitting farewell.