DENVER — The Colorado Rockies‘ lineup hung within the clubhouse Tuesday with a well-known identify within the leadoff spot: Charlie Blackmon.
The veteran outfielder has batted at or close to the highest of the order in Colorado for years and can accomplish that as he winds down his All-Star profession through the last week of the season. Blackmon introduced Monday he’ll retire following Sunday’s recreation after 14 seasons, all with the Rockies — a tenure surpassed solely by franchise icon and Corridor of Fame first baseman Todd Helton.
Blackmon spoke to reporters at Coors Area together with his household, most of his present teammates and one former teammate, St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Nolan Arenado, available.
“I really feel like I’ve by no means actually labored a day in my life, however I do work actually exhausting,” stated Blackmon, together with his daughter Josie, 3, and son Wyatt, 1, on his lap. “So, it is going to be very completely different on the opposite aspect. However on the similar time, I believe it is the fitting resolution. The sport is being performed at such a excessive stage, it actually calls for a sure period of time, bodily capacity, well being, energy.”
The 38-year-old Blackmon was clean-shaven again when he made his main league debut on June 7, 2011. He cut up time between the minors and Colorado earlier than sticking with the Rockies in 2014, and commenced to develop his signature bushy beard. That was the beginning of a six-season stretch during which he hit .306 with 163 house runs and 472 RBIs.
He gained the 2017 NL batting title with a .331 common, driving in a serious league-record 101 runs from the leadoff spot, and helped Colorado attain the postseason in 2017 and 2018.
“For me, the most effective leadoff hitter I’ve ever gotten an opportunity to play with,” stated Arenado, who performed with Blackmon for seven seasons in Colorado earlier than being traded to the Cardinals in 2021. “And one of many smartest gamers I received to play with, too.”
Blackmon will retire because the franchise chief in triples — he had 67 heading into Tuesday’s recreation — and second to Helton in hits, doubles, whole bases and video games performed. Blackmon had an injury-plagued 2023 and did not know if he would proceed, however a powerful end to final season satisfied him to play in 2024.
“I used to be ready for it final 12 months ought to issues not go my manner,” he stated. “I broke my hand and was capable of come again and play properly. It was form of a blessing, like having the sport taken away from me, briefly, and realizing I wasn’t accomplished. I nonetheless wished to play.
“I knew coming again this 12 months was the fitting resolution. I got here into this season eyes broad open, figuring out this might very properly be my final go-round. I knew going into spring coaching this was in all probability going to be my final season.”
Blackmon, who entered the ultimate six video games hitting .249 with 11 house runs and 48 RBIs, stated he needs to be concerned with the group sooner or later.
“I’ve already had some conversations with some crucial individuals which can be going to permit me to be part of the group,” Blackmon stated. “I do nonetheless need to very a lot be a part of the Colorado Rockies household, simply not [sure] precisely how but.”
He hasn’t decided on his beard.
“My spouse, Ashley, has by no means seen me with out it, so I am a bit of involved how that shall be obtained,” he stated. “There shall be a time when I’ve to disclose my bare face.”