DENVER — The Colorado Rockies’ lineup hung within the clubhouse Tuesday with a well-recognized title 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 throughout the remaining 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 laborious,” mentioned Blackmon, together with his daughter Josie, 3, and son Wyatt, 1, on his lap. “So, it should be very totally different on the opposite aspect. However on the identical time, I feel it is the best choice. The sport is being performed at such a excessive stage, it actually calls for a sure period of time, bodily capability, well being, energy.”
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The 38-year-old Blackmon was clean-shaven again when he made his main league debut on June 7, 2011. He break up time between the minors and Colorado earlier than sticking with the Rockies in 2014, and started to develop his signature bushy beard. That was the beginning of a six-season stretch during which he hit .306 with 163 residence 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 perfect leadoff hitter I’ve ever gotten an opportunity to play with,” mentioned 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 bought 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 means,” he mentioned. “I broke my hand and was capable of come again and play nicely. It was form of a blessing, like having the sport taken away from me, briefly, and realizing I wasn’t achieved. I nonetheless needed to play.
“I knew coming again this 12 months was the best choice. I got here into this season eyes huge open, figuring out this might very nicely be my final go-round. I knew going into spring coaching this was most likely going to be my final season.”
Blackmon, who entered the ultimate six video games hitting .249 with 11 residence runs and 48 RBIs, mentioned he desires to be concerned with the group sooner or later.
“I’ve already had some conversations with some essential folks which might be going to permit me to be part of the group,” Blackmon mentioned. “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 involved how that shall be obtained,” he mentioned. “There shall be a time when I’ve to disclose my bare face.”
