Charlie Blackmon played his final game in the MLB at Coors Field in Denver on Sunday afternoon. The long-time slugger for the Rockies has decided to call it quits after playing his entire 14-year career in the mile high city and he was honored with one final sellout from the fans that came with a variety of celebrations for “Chuck Nazty.”

Blackmon got the start at center field for his final game in the majors, a position he last appeared at 6 years ago, before moving over to right field in the second inning. He played outfielder for the Rockies for years, before transitioning to the designated hitter role towards the end of his journey, where he would bat in the lead off position, allowing fans to sing along to his walkout song, “Your Love.”

Prior to the game, Charlie was honored with a plaque and a surprise gift of the Toyota truck that sits atop Coors field at all times, now emblazoned with his number 19 on the hood. Blackmon then brought his wife and two children out to throw out the first pitch. Each kid got to throw a ball with their highly accomplished father to begin his final MLB appearance. Manager Bud Black then sent him to center field at the beginning of the game alone, where he received a standing ovation from both the Rockies and the rival Dodgers, along with their fans. Despite the arid conditions in Denver, not a single eye was dry in the stadium.

Charlie Blackmon is a beloved figure in Colorado amongst all who have been around him in any capacity. He is a fan favorite and will be forever remembered for his werewolf-esque hair, loving personality, constant jokes, and stellar performance on the diamond.

Blackmon was a second-round selection by the Rockies in 2008 and was finally called up to the majors on June 6, 2011, where just two days later he recorded his first major league hit against division rivals, the Padres. This began an exceptional career where Blackmon would become a four-time all-star, two-time silver slugger, and earn the NL batting title in 2017 after hitting .331. The 38-year-old finishes his career as the all-time club leader for the Rockies in triples. Only Colorado legend, Todd Helton, had more doubles, total bases, runs scored, and finally games played than Blackmon.

Blackmon did not play the entire game but rather was taken out, just after he recorded a hit one last time in front of the home crowd, a fitting way to honor a hero. Unfortunately, the Rockies did not pull out a win for Charlie's final game and fell to Los Angeles 2-1, capping off a 101-loss season for the team.

The Rockies struggles over the course of Blackmon's tenure are undeniable. He only made two playoff runs with the club. Despite this, fans continued to show up for the Blake Street Bombers and Blackmon is highly responsible for it. His infectious personality and entertainment value brought joy to difficult seasons. When you could not cheer on a Colorado win, you surely could sing along to Blackmon's walkout song and enjoy frequent deep shots to the pine tree laden fountains. Charlie Blackmon will forever be regarded as one of the greatest Rockies of all time and many people, including myself, believe that the number 19 should not be worn by a Rockies player ever again.