Charlie Blackmon to Retire After 14 Seasons with Colorado Rockies

The Colorado Rockies, a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, will experience a significant change in their lineup as Charlie Blackmon, a prominent figure in their roster for the past 14 seasons, has announced his retirement. Blackmon, the 38-year-old outfielder and designated hitter, revealed that he will conclude his career at the end of the 2024 season, following the Rockies’ final game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blackmon shared his decision publicly via an Instagram post, stating, “I have been blessed to call the city of Denver and the Colorado Rockies my baseball home for the entirety of my career.” Reflecting on his journey, he expressed gratitude for his experience and acknowledged the uncertainty that lies ahead.

Drafted by the Rockies in the second round of the 2008 MLB Draft from Georgia Tech, Blackmon made his league debut in June 2011. Over his career, he has achieved a .292 batting average, hit 226 home runs, and batted in 797 runs. He also earned four All-Star selections (2014, 2017-19), a National League batting title (2017), and two Silver Slugger Awards (2016-17).

Blackmon became known throughout the majors for his distinctive long, shaggy beard and his prowess at Coors Field, the Rockies’ home park. His remarkable statistics at home include a .329 average and 133 home runs over 796 games. By comparison, his stats on the road include a .256 average and 93 home runs in 822 games.

In addition to his on-field achievements, Blackmon has openly shared the impact of his faith on his life and career. In 2017, he remarked, “Baseball is something that I spend a lot of time doing, but you can’t turn baseball into an idol, what you derive your self-worth from.” He is noted for emphasizing the importance of authenticity and walking in his faith in the public arena.

Rockies owner Dick Monfort reflected on Blackmon’s impending retirement, stating, “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.”

As Blackmon prepares to hang up his glove, he leaves behind a legacy of commitment and sportsmanship, both on and off the field.