Blackmon gets new role with Rockies
Thomas Harding
@harding_at_mlbDENVER -- Retirement as a player did not mean goodbye for Charlie Blackmon and the Rockies aren¡¯t saying goodbye.
The Rockies announced on Saturday morning that Blackmon, who in 2024 completed a 14-year career spent entirely in purple pinstripes, will stay with the organization as a special assistant to general manager Bill Schmidt.
The announcement of the move was made in a fitting manner -- directly to the fans on Saturday morning at Rockies Fest. Through four All-Star Game appearances, a career-best 2017 season when Blackmon led the National League in hitting (and several other categories) and helped the Rockies to the postseason, and standout play in center and right field and as a designated hitter, Blackmon was a favorite of Colorado fans.
Blackmon, 38, will ¡°assist in all areas of baseball operations,¡± according to the club¡¯s press release.
At his retirement announcement in September, Blackmon said he planned to visit Spring Training and be available to current players. The new job solidifies and potentially broadens Blackmon¡¯s responsibilities.
¡°This first year, I'm going to spend a whole lot of time with my family, and I'm just glad to be able to have that baseball outlet,¡± Blackmon said. ¡°So I will make some trips up, and I'll come to Spring Training, I'll be at [instructional camp], and I'll hopefully get to scout some.
¡°I'll do a lot of things, but it's not a full-time role. I don't know what it'll look like in the future, but I think this first year, it'll be good to have a lot of different experiences around the big league side, maybe the scouting side, some amateur players.¡±
The appointment of Blackmon continues Schmidt¡¯s program of placing former Rockies players, especially those who experienced success, in various official positions (such as special assistants, instructors and coaches) and inviting them to Spring Training as special instructors.
¡°Charlie has been an integral part of the Rockies organization for over a decade, both on and off the field,¡± Schmidt said in the announcement. ¡°His leadership, deep understanding of the game and passion for this franchise make him the perfect fit to step into this new role. We¡¯re thrilled to have him bring his unique insight and experience back to the Rockies players and front office.¡±
During Saturday¡¯s event, Blackmon sat with Schmidt, manager Bud Black and veteran third baseman Ryan McMahon for a question-and-answer session with fans.