DENVER — Former MLB star Charlie Blackmon has picked up a different kind of bat since stepping away from professional baseball last fall. Instead of wielding a standard wooden bat, he’s now interacting with colorful, oversized ones that his young children enjoy using. “Sometimes Daddy needs an at-bat; he can’t play defense all the time,” Blackmon joked as the Colorado Rockies announced his new position as a special assistant to the general manager after a notable 14-season stint as their dynamic center fielder.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to stay engaged with the organization and continue my involvement in baseball,” Blackmon expressed. He also noted his eagerness for this new chapter, sharing that he believes the Rockies may appreciate having him back in the fold. Blackmon dedicated his entire MLB career to the Rockies and is not one to sever ties with baseball. In his new position, he will support GM Bill Schmidt across various aspects of baseball operations, beginning with a part-time commitment while working from his home in the Atlanta area.
His initial focus will be on scouting and player development—two areas that have always fascinated him as a former pitcher turned outfielder. “It’s interesting how players often think they have everything figured out regarding what’s best for the team,” he said. “On lengthy bus rides, we would speculate about general management decisions and discuss players, contracts, and minor league talents. Baseball is a constant in our conversations.” Schmidt mentioned that Blackmon will spend a week at spring training, engaging with both major and minor league players to foster relationships with the younger talents in the organization.
After retiring last year, Blackmon concluded his career with a .293 batting average, logging 1,805 hits and 227 home runs during his time with the Rockies. A four-time All-Star, he holds the record for the most triples in franchise history at 68 and ranks highly in several other categories, including games played, doubles, and runs scored. Blackmon was drafted by the Rockies in the second round of the 2008 amateur draft following his successful collegiate career at Georgia Tech. He claimed the National League batting title in 2017, boasting a remarkable .331 average, and played a key role in reaching the postseason in consecutive years.
“Charlie’s leadership, comprehensive knowledge of the game, and dedication to this franchise make him exceptionally qualified for this new role,” Schmidt said. “We are eager to have his unique perspective and experience shared with our players and front office.” Fans bid farewell to Blackmon in style during his last game at Coors Field, where a pregame ceremony featured his family. He was honored with a plaque and received a Toyota truck as a parting gift, and his children participated by throwing pitches to him.
Blackmon highlighted that the most rewarding aspect of his retirement is the additional time he can dedicate to his family. He aims to balance this new role with family life as he contemplates his post-playing future. “This first year will be centered around family, but I’m also excited to keep a foot in the baseball world. I’ll attend spring training, be involved in instructional sessions, and scout players,” he stated. “This isn’t a full-time job, so the future remains open, but I look forward to experiencing various facets of baseball from the major league level to the scouting realm and minor leagues.”
