Charlie Blackmon Retires After 14 Seasons with Colorado Rockies
On Monday, long-time Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball, concluding a distinguished 14-season career spent entirely with the Rockies.
Blackmon shared the news via social media, reflecting on his journey and expressing gratitude to the organization, his teammates, and the fans who supported him throughout his career.
"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. I have been blessed to call the city of Denver and The Colorado Rockies my baseball home for the entirety of my career," Blackmon wrote. "I am grateful for the support of this organization, my teammates, and most of all Rockies fans. It is with a thankful heart and a career's worth of memories that I choose a new path."
Blackmon has been a mainstay for the Rockies since 2008, when the team picked him in the second round of the MLB Draft out of Georgia Tech. Over his 14 seasons, Blackmon amassed an impressive résumé: 1,797 hits, 226 home runs, 333 doubles, 67 triples, 148 stolen bases, and a 20.8 WAR (Wins Above Replacement). His statistical achievements solidify his place among the Rockies' all-time greats.
Throughout his career, Blackmon's consistency and dedication were evident. He became a four-time All-Star and received two Silver Slugger awards. In 2017, he clinched the National League batting title, one of the pinnacles of individual success in the sport.
However, this season proved challenging for Blackmon. As the Rockies' primary designated hitter under a one-year contract, he encountered offensive struggles, a stark contrast to his career-long reliability at the plate. Despite these difficulties, Blackmon's legacy in Colorado remains untarnished.
Team owner Dick Monfort expressed deep admiration for Blackmon's contributions to the franchise and the sport. "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. It has been an absolute privilege watching Charlie's career from start to finish here at Coors Field," Monfort said. He added, "Charlie's passion and dedication to the game of baseball, this organization and our great fans was on display every single day and I can't thank him enough for pouring his heart into every game and every at-bat over the course of his 14 years here. Charlie is a Rockie to his core, and although his playing days are over, he will continue to be a part of this team in a multitude of ways going forward. We look forward to celebrating Charlie throughout this weekend and we wish Charlie and his family nothing but the best in the years ahead."
Indeed, Blackmon's impact on the Rockies goes beyond statistics. His leadership and commitment have been instrumental in shaping the team's culture. As a player who spent his entire career with one franchise, Blackmon's loyalty and connection to the community of Denver stand as a testament to his character both on and off the field.
As the Rockies and their fans prepare to celebrate Blackmon's career this weekend, there is no doubt that his presence will be missed on the field. But as Monfort highlighted, Blackmon's relationship with the team will continue, ensuring that his legacy endures. Charlie Blackmon's retirement marks the end of an era for the Rockies, but also the beginning of new opportunities and memories for a player who gave his all to the game he loved.