A Fan’s Thank You to Charlie Blackmon
What does one say to one of the most influential players an organization has ever had? Thank you surely won’t, can’t, doesn’t cover it near enough. Someone who has dedicated 26 years of his life to one game playing with one organization deserves so much more than just a ‘Thank you‘.
Charles Cobb Blackmon, better known as Charlie or if you’re a Rockies fan (even a little bit), Chuck Nazty. Since June 7th, 2011, Charlie has been a staple in the Rockies line up and household name throughout Colorado and its surrounding fanbases. He was a second round draft pick in 2008 out of Georgia Tech and made his way through the Rockies’ farm system for three years until that fateful day in June 2011. He has been part of some of the greatest plays, games and lineups that the Rockies organization have ever put together. An interesting stat has been shown a couple times today. When it comes to the franchise records, Charlie sits alone in second place for most of them (Games, Hit, Runs, Doubles, Extra Base Hits and Total Bases). The person holding the top spot, none other than Hall of Famer Todd Helton. He sits atop the franchise records in Triples and in the top five for RBI’s home runs. He is a 4x All Star, 2x Silver Sluggar and the 2017 National League Batting Champion.
As a fan, he is the player that you look up to. The epitome of class, determination and true dedication to his craft. In his retirement press conference, he talked about how serious of a person he is but we have been lucky enough to see that fun side of him as well. He. is the celebrations leader- always carrying the gatorade bucket for a shower and handing out the ‘Player of the Game’ award after each game. He has been instrumental in creating an atmosphere that fans have become accustomed to. When someone would ask me what made Coors Field so special, one of the first things I mention is the chorus to The Outfield’s ‘Your Love’. It doesn’t matter if we get to the ‘TOOOONNNNIIIIGGGGHHHHHTTT’ part, you will hear it. That is the culture and environment he created in Denver.
As he runs onto the field and into Center Field for the very last time, where the number 19 has been cut into the grass, you can’t help but let the tears flow. As he stands on the field, by himself, soaking it all in, even through a TV screen, I can feel the emotions and the gratitude that everyone in that stadium, fan, player, grounds crew, staff member feels towards him. He is where he belongs. His first at bat was no different. I will thank the Dodgers for indulging us this weekend and giving every opportunity for Charlie to get all the love he deserves. As his walk up song played, he was given yet another standing ovation with even Dodgers fans singing along to the famous song. Even though he popped out in his first at bat, his second (and last) would be the cherry on this very emotional Sunday. As he singled a fastball right back up the middle and rounded first base, he hugged long time Rockies first base coach Ron Gideon and then walked off the field as a player to cheers from his coworkers, staff members and a stadium full of fans.
This last week since his beautiful retirement announcement was made has been nothing short of everything Charlie deserves from an organization that should have done better. I for one, am thankful that he stuck it out. That he gave everything for this team and never let the political BS deter him from wanting to win for this city.
To watch you lead a team the way you’ve led this one for so long and influence countless players the way you have has been a privilege. There will never be another Charlie Blackmon and there never should be. You are 1 of 1.
To put it simply, Thank you Charlie for everything you have not only given to the game, but to the fans
I will leave you with my one ask. As a die hard, bleeding purple pinstripes fan…
Retire his number #19.
