I’m the same age as Charlie Blackmon. I knew the day was coming when the longtime Colorado Rockies outfielder would announce his retirement. Even so, I’m feeling a weird mix of emotions now that Blackmon announced his retirement and made it official.
As his final season came to a close, one of the first things I noticed is that Blackmon looks the same. I’m sure that’s not actually true, and that photos from years ago would show as much. But to me, it’s the same image of the man known as “Chuck Nazty” that would have come to mind years ago. The same beard, the same mullet, and the same subtle facial expressions that give away his love of baseball.
Then I look at my photo when I was writing about Blackmon back in 2011-2013, and boy, things were different then. I had more hair, I didn't have gray hair, and I had the youthful confidence to make bold calls like growing out chopper sideburns. If our favorite players retiring and getting older sometimes serves as a reminder about our own mortality, this one just hits a little closer to home.
It's safe to say that a lot has changed for both of us the last 14 years. But one thing has remained the same: Blackmon connects with Rockies fans. That part will live on well past Charlie's playing days.