Charlie Blackmon announces his retirement after spending entire career with Rockies

DENVER (KDVR) – Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon, known to fans as Chuck Nazty, has announced his retirement through a post on Instagram Monday afternoon.

“As a kid, you play the game because you live 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,” Blackmon’s post started.

“I have been blessed to call the city of Denver and the Colorado Rockies my baseball home for the entirety of my career. 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 played in 118 games so far this season and had 430 total at bats. He’s hit 107 times and has a batting average of .249. His at bats include 11 home runs and 48 RBIs.

“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,” Rockies owner Dick Monfort said in a statement released by the team. “It has been an absolute privilege watching Charlie’s career from start to finish here at Coors Field.”

As mentioned is his statement, Blackmon has played his entire career for the Rockies, starting in 2011. He played in four All-Star Games, most recently in 2019, he received two Silver Slugger awards and was the National League batting champion in 2017 and the triples leader the same year.

“I don’t know what is on the other side of the fence, but I take solace in knowing that one thing remains constant. Although names and faces will change, the game will continue to be played. I’ll hop over that fence, pickle the beast and embrace the next phase of my life,” Blackmon said in his post.

The Rockies will be honoring Blackmon this weekend during his final home series with fireworks on Friday night, a t-shirt giveaway on Saturday night and a pre-game ceremony on Sunday afternoon.

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