Steve Webb
DENVER, CO — Charlie Blackmon led off the bottom of the first for the Rockies in Friday’s matchup against the Dodgers, and that first at-bat was a microcosm of the Colorado right fielder’s career against LA. He made Ryan Brasier throw eleven pitches before taking a walk. Then, he’d eventually come around to score on an Ezequiel Tovar triple that sailed over Mookie Betts‘ head in right field. Simply put, for the past decade and a half, Charlie Blackmon has been a pest. And it was with a little sadness that I heard Charlie was going to hang up his spikes at the end of the year.
Blackmon, known by friends and foes alike as “Chuck Nazty,” is set to retire after Sunday’s game, closing the final chapter on a remarkable 14-year career. Known for his mountain man beard, unique style, and clutch hitting, Blackmon has been a mainstay in the Rockies’ lineup since his debut in 2011. His performance against the Los Angeles Dodgers, in particular, has stood out over the years, often frustrating their pitching staff and providing Rockies fans with unforgettable moments.
Blackmon’s Early Years Against the Dodgers
Charlie Blackmon made his debut with the Rockies in June 2011, but it wasn’t until a few seasons later that he really started to emerge as a key figure in Colorado’s lineup. His breakout season came in 2014 when he hit .288 with 19 home runs and 72 RBIs, earning his first All-Star selection. Against the Dodgers that season, Blackmon hit a solid .282 with an OPS of .797 in 15 games. These early performances laid the foundation for what would become a strong showing against one of the Rockies’ biggest division rivals.
A Thorn in the Dodgers’ Side
Throughout his career, Blackmon seemed to find an extra gear when facing the Dodgers. His left-handed swing and ability to hit for both power and contact made him a consistent threat in the Rockies’ lineup, especially when playing at Coors Field. As of September 2023, Blackmon has played in 184 games against the Dodgers, batting .287 with 27 home runs, 97 RBIs, and 48 doubles. His on-base percentage (OBP) of .347 and slugging percentage of .497 reflect his ability to consistently reach base and drive in runs.
One of Blackmon’s most memorable performances against the Dodgers came on September 29, 2019, when he hit a walk-off home run off closer Kenley Jansen to give the Rockies a 4-3 win. It was a dramatic moment in a lost season for the Rockies, but it demonstrated Blackmon’s ability to rise to the occasion against the Dodgers, even in games that had little impact on the standings.
And of course, remember Charlie Blackmon is more than just a Dodger killer. He has won a batting title (.331 in 2017) and was part of a Rockies team that pushed the Dodgers to a game 163 in 2018. In 2017, Blackmon even got some love in the MVP voting, finishing fifth that year.
Notable Matchups Against Dodgers Pitchers
Since their careers are pretty close to parallel in time, Blackmon’s decade-long battle with Dodgers pitching ace Clayton Kershaw is particularly noteworthy. Facing one of the best left-handers of his generation, Blackmon held his own. In 89 plate appearances against Kershaw, Blackmon hit .247 with 2 home runs and 11 RBIs. While those numbers may not be eye-popping, considering Kershaw’s dominance over most left-handed hitters, who have a pathetic slash line against Kersh of .196/.248/.315. Blackmon’s ability to consistently make contact and challenge the future Hall of Famer stood out.
Against other Dodgers pitchers like Walker Buehler and Julio Urías, Blackmon has also posted competitive numbers, hitting .289 and .308, respectively. His success against a variety of Dodgers’ top arms is a testament to his adaptability at the plate and his ability to hit in high-pressure situations.
Legacy and Final Farewell
As Blackmon steps away from baseball, his impact on the Rockies and their rivalry with the Dodgers will be long remembered. Though the Rockies have often struggled against the perennial division champions, Blackmon’s performance against Los Angeles provided some of the most exciting moments in recent Rockies history. His clutch hits, steady presence in the outfield, and leadership in the clubhouse made him a fan favorite in Colorado.
It’s always a little said when one of the Dodgers’ longtime adversaries calls it quits. With his retirement, Dodgers pitchers will breathe a small sigh of relief, knowing they no longer have to face one of their toughest opponents in Charlie Blackmon. His legacy as a player who thrived against one of the best teams in baseball will be cemented in Rockies lore.
Now if we can just do something about Christian Walker…
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