Charlie Blackmon walked out to center field all by himself and stood above the big No. 19 marked in the grass at Coors Field.
The longtime Colorado Rockies player, known for his bushy beard, tipped his cap to the cheering fans one last time on Sunday before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
It was Charlie Blackmon Day at the stadium as the four-time All-Star said goodbye to baseball after 14 seasons with the Rockies, the only team he has ever played for. Blackmon started in center field and batted first, marking his return to a position he hadn’t played in six years.
“Literally, the best teammate I’ve ever had,” said third baseman Ryan McMahon. “He’s the most unselfish person I’ve been around. The total pro’s pro.”
Drafted in the second round by the Rockies in 2008, Blackmon became one of just 50 players in major league history to achieve over 1,800 hits, 325 doubles, 225 home runs, 65 triples, and 800 RBIs.
He was the NL batting champion in 2017 with a .331 average. He leaves as the franchise leader in triples (68) and is second behind Hall of Famer Todd Helton in games (1,624), runs (996), doubles (334), and total bases (2,956).
Blackmon has long been a fan favorite, with his popular walk-up song, “Your Love” by The Outfield, always getting the crowd singing along. His determined playing style earned him respect across the league.
“For me, he’s everything I would want in a baseball player — outside of that big, old, ugly beard,” joked Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, whose team ended the regular season with a 2-1 win.
“You look at the last, call it 10 to 12 years, he’s one of probably my top five players I’ve enjoyed watching play.”
This sunny afternoon was dedicated to Blackmon. His wife, Ashley, and their two young kids, Josie and Wyatt, joined him on the field for a pregame ceremony. He was presented with a plaque and received a Toyota truck that had been displayed on top of a sign in left field. His kids each threw a pitch to him.
“The organization’s done a really good job, just far exceeded expectations of celebrating the week and the moment,” said Blackmon, who ended his career with a .293 batting average, 227 home runs, and 801 RBIs. “It’s just been really incredible for me and my family.”
As he entered the park, a fan held a sign that said, “Let Chuck pitch.” However, that didn’t happen, and manager Bud Black mentioned it wasn’t in the plans.
He asked Blackmon if he wanted to carry the lineup card to the umpires, but Blackmon politely turned that down. After all, he had a game to get ready for.
Black also had an emotional meeting with Blackmon in his office before the game started. “We hugged,” Black said. “And then we sort of pulled away, and we smiled at each other and said: ‘Hey, I’m going to see you again. This is not it.’”
Blackmon announced his retirement last Monday and is expected to stay with the organization in a non-playing position.
Translation: He will still be around for spring training. “We’ll be like: ‘Hey, Charlie, you’re on field four. You’ve got the outfielders,’” Black joked.
At first, Blackmon hesitated to go out onto the field alone to start the game. He doesn’t seek the spotlight.
“I go, ‘Chuck, you’re going to run out to center, but everybody’s not going to go out there with you,’” Black recalled. “He goes, ‘How long am I going to be out there by myself?’ I’m like, ‘20, 30 seconds maybe.’ He goes, ‘OK, but not any longer than that.’”
Blackmon ran onto the field to cheers and the song “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. His teammates and the Dodgers clapped for him from the dugout. He played the first inning in center field before moving to right field for the second inning.
“The way I play this game,” McMahon said, “it’s all based off things I’ve learned from him.”
