Rockies player Charlie Blackmon retires after 14-year legendary career

Charlie Blackmon’s legendary Rockies career comes to an end.

The Rockies announced Monday that the final game of Blackmon's 14-year career will be Sunday when the club hosts the Dodgers at Coors Field for the 2024 season finale.

The 38-year-old outfielder's aggressive play, his curly miner's beard and his infectious walk-up song made him a fan favorite. His work ethic, professionalism and quirky humor made him a team leader.

Todd Helton, who was inducted into the National Baseball of Fame this summer, said Blackmon deserves to have his No. 19 retired and displayed on the facade of the upper deck in right-center field. Helton's No. 17 and fellow Hall of Famer Larry Walker's No. 33 are the only Rockies players whose numbers will be retired.

“How can you not put him up there?” Helton said this summer, marveling at the statistics Blackmond has accumulated during his career. “And when you add to that the guy he was and is and what he meant to his teammates, he deserves to be up there.”

Blackmon, a four-time All-Star and 2017 National League batting champion, ranks second behind Helton in nearly every major offensive category in Rockies history.

“Charlie sets the tone for this team,” said All-Star third baseman Ryan McMahon. “His hard work and dedication to his job every single day rubs off on everyone. I know it did for me. I learned by watching 'Chuck' work.”

Rookie catcher Drew Romo agreed with McMahon.

“It's incredible to watch him,” Romo said. “I was with him for the first time in spring training a few years ago and it blew me away. He was so meticulous about his routine. He did the same thing every day. No matter how he felt, he got the job done.”

“Even after the games, he did a lot of recovery training to take care of his body. He was probably the hardest worker in the training room. And he was always there for young players like me.”