September 30th 2024.
Charlie Blackmon was known for his unshakeable demeanor, even in the face of blazing fastballs and the intense pressure of big-league baseball. But on a Sunday afternoon at Coors Field, in front of a packed crowd of 48,320 fans, the Rockies' beloved outfielder was left speechless.
"It exceeded my wildest expectations, and it's just been an incredible experience for me and my family," the 38-year-old Blackmon shared after playing his 1,624th and final game of his career in a 2-1 loss to the Dodgers.
The farewell party for Blackmon was nothing short of spectacular, with words of adulation, video tributes, multiple standing ovations, and goosebumps aplenty. And to top it all off, the Rockies surprised him with a Toyota Tundra truck, adorned with the team logo and his jersey number. Blackmon was in awe, saying, "I had no idea, I was shocked. What an incredible gift. To have it be a part of Coors Field, the truck that was up there, that's pretty special."
Before the game began, two emotional moments brought tears to Blackmon's eyes. First, his wife Ashley and their two children, Josie and Wyatt, joined him on the field for a pregame ceremony where he was presented with a plaque. Then, his kids threw out the first pitch of the game.
As he took the field for his final game, Blackmon was alone, jogging to center field to the sounds of John Fogerty's "Centerfield." The fans erupted into cheers, showing their love for the player affectionately known as "Chuck Nazty." It was a bittersweet moment, as Blackmon had not played center field since the 2018 playoffs against the Brewers.
"That moment, right before the game started and I ran out to center field, was probably the greatest moment," Blackmon shared.
The Rockies had a plan in place for Blackmon's final game, and manager Bud Black wanted to make it special. "I told him, 'Chuck, you're going to run out to center, but everybody's not going to go out there with you,'" Black said. "Charlie 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.'"
In his customary leadoff spot, Blackmon had one hit in two at-bats before leaving the game to a standing ovation in the third inning. He finished his career with a .293 batting average, 227 home runs, and 1,805 hits. He also holds the franchise record for most triples with 68. Only Todd Helton has played in more games, scored more runs, had more hits, doubles, extra-base hits, and total bases for the Rockies.
Selected in the second round of the 2008 draft out of Georgia Tech, Blackmon had a slow start to his career due to injuries. But he went on to become one of just 50 players in MLB history to record over 1,800 hits, 325 doubles, 225 home runs, 65 triples, and 800 RBIs. He was also the National League batting champion in 2017, hitting .331 and driving in 104 runs.
Blackmon had expressed to Black before the game that he didn't want to play the whole game but wanted at least two at-bats. His final hit allowed him to savor the moment and the adoration from the fans. "I still want to win, so it was really cool to end on a hit," he said. "To get a hit one last time and be able to soak up the moment was really cool."
Blackmon is not only a fan favorite but also highly respected by his teammates. After the game, he signed baseballs for them in the clubhouse. "Literally, the best teammate I've ever had," said all-star third baseman Ryan McMahon, one of Blackmon's closest friends on the team. "He's the most unselfish person I've been around. The total pro's pro."
Even Dodgers manager Dave Roberts had high praise for Blackmon. "For me, he's everything I would want in a baseball player - outside of that big, old, ugly beard," Roberts joked. "You look at the last 10 to 12 years, he's one of my top five players I've enjoyed watching play."
Before the game, Black and Blackmon shared a heartfelt moment in Black's office. "It got a little emotional with Charlie," Black revealed. "We pulled out of our hugs with a smile and I said, 'Hey, this is not it, I'm going to see you again.'"
But while that may be true, Blackmon's name will never again be written at the top of a lineup card. As we say goodbye to "Chuck Nazty," let's cherish the memories and celebrate the legacy of one of the most beloved players in Rockies history.
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