Charlie Blackmon takes one last curtain call before his retirement

Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — Charlie Blackmon trotted to center field all alone and stood over the giant number 19 etched into the grass at Coors Field.

The longtime Colorado Rockies player, known for his bushy beard, raised his cap toward cheering fans one last time before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday.

It was Charlie Blackmon Day at the ballpark when the four-time All-Star said goodbye to the game after 14 seasons with the Rockies, the only team he ever knew. Blackmon also found himself in a familiar spot on the lineup card — starting in center field and starting at bat. This was the first time he had been at center in six years.

“Literally the best teammate I’ve ever had,” third baseman Ryan McMahon said. “He is the most selfless person I have ever been with. The absolute professional’s professional.”

A second-round draft pick of the Rockies in 2008, Blackmon became one of only 50 players in major league history to record more than 1,800 hits, 325 doubles, 225 home runs, 65 triples and 800 RBIs. He was the Dutch batting champion in 2017 when he hit .331. He emerges as the franchise's all-time leader in triples and is second to Hall of Famer Todd Helton in games played, runs scored, doubles and total bases.

Blackmon has long been a fan favorite – along with his catchy walk-up song “Your Love” by The Outfield, which consistently had the audience singing along. In addition, his determined play earned him respect in every dugout.

“To me, he's everything I want in a baseball player – except for that big ol' ugly beard,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said. “You look at the last, let’s call it 10 to 12 years, he’s probably one of my top five players that I’ve enjoyed watching play.”

That sunny afternoon was all about Blackmon. His wife, Ashley, and two young children, Josie and Wyatt, accompanied him to a pregame ceremony on the field where he was presented with a plaque. He also received a Toyota truck that had been parked on a sign in left field. His children each threw him a throw.

On the way into the park, a fan held up a sign that read, “Let Chuck Pitch.” It probably won't happen, manager Bud Black said before the game. He asked Blackmon if he wanted to show the lineup card to the referees, but Blackmon politely declined.

After all, he had to prepare for a game.

Black had an emotional meeting with Blackmon in his office before the first pitch.

“We hugged,” Black said. “And then we kind of pulled back and smiled at each other and said, 'Hey, see you again.' That's not it.'”

Blackmon announced his decision to retire last Monday. He is expected to remain with the organization in a non-playing role.

Translation: He'll still be there at spring training.

“We'll say, 'Hey, Charlie, you're on square four.' “They have the outfielders,” Black joked.

Blackmon was initially reluctant to step onto the field alone at the start of the game. He doesn't need – or crave – to be the center of attention.

“I say, 'Chuck, you're going to run in the middle, but not everyone's going to run out with you,'” Black said. “He asks, 'How long am I going to be out there alone?' I think, “20, 30 seconds maybe.” He says, “Okay, but no longer.”

Blackmon walked onto the field to applause and a performance of “Centerfield” by John Fogerty. His teammates — and the Dodgers — clapped for him on the top railing of the dugout. He played the first inning in center before moving to right in the second inning.

“The way I play this game,” McMahon said, “is all based on the things I learned from him.”

Blackmon hit a single up the middle in the third inning and was subbed out for a pinch runner. He received another ovation from the fans.

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