The TriCities’ Homegrown MLB Star Leaving The Diamond

Charlie Blackmon: A Career Intertwined with the Tri-Cities and the Heart of Baseball

Baseball, much like religion, embodies a rich tapestry of tradition, ritual, and community. For many, it serves as a comforting anchor amidst the complexities of life, offering a shared narrative that connects generations. This is particularly true for Charlie Blackmon, a celebrated outfielder whose roots in the Tri-Cities have played a significant role in shaping his illustrious career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

Early Beginnings in the Tri-Cities

Blackmon's journey began in the minor leagues, specifically with the Tri-City Dust Devils, where he first showcased his incredible talent. In his debut season in 2008, Blackmon had a remarkable batting average of .338, over 68 games. The Dust Devils were still single A Short season then. 98 hits, 21 doubles, 5 triples, and 2 home runs, contributing 33 RBIs along with 13 stolen bases. His on-base percentage of .390 and slugging percentage of .466 underscored his potential as a rising star.

A Stellar MLB Career with the Rockies

Born on July 1, 1986, in Dallas, Texas, Blackmon has spent his entire MLB career with the Colorado Rockies since debuting in 2011. Over his 14 seasons, he has transformed into a cornerstone of the franchise, collecting the hardware to prove it, including four MLB All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger awards, and the coveted National League Batting Title in 2017 with a .331 average. As the Rockies’ all-time leader in triples (67) and ranking second in several other key categories—including games played (1,618), runs scored (991), and hits (1,797)—Blackmon’s legacy is firmly established.

His recent retirement announcement on Monday marks the end of a chapter filled with remarkable achievements, including surpassing Larry Walker’s franchise record for extra-base hits, a testament to his consistent performance and dedication. Blackmon’s career embodies the essence of baseball as a reflection of life.

On October 1, 2023, he played his 1,500th game, becoming the 71st player in MLB history to record 1,500+ games, 300+ doubles, 200+ home runs, and 60+ triples, and only the 18th to achieve this feat with one team since Derek Jeter. He reached 10 years of service time on June 15, 2022, joining Todd Helton as the only players to do so with the Rockies. In June 2022, he hit his 200th home run and 1,500th hit, making him just the second player in Rockies history to surpass 1,500 hits. From 2014 to 2023, he ranked fifth in the Majors with 1,557 hits and won the 2017 NL Batting Title with a .331 average, setting an MLB record with 103 RBIs from the leadoff position. Additionally, his 41 leadoff home runs rank 10th in MLB history.

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Steps Away

Charlie Blackmon’s career is a testament to the profound connection between baseball, community, and the human experience. From his early days with the Tri-City Dust Devils to his incredible achievements with the Colorado Rockies, he embodies the ideals of resilience, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As he steps away from the diamond, his legacy will endure.