Charlie Blackmon continues to be an underappreciated star
When you hear talk about the Colorado Rockies outside of Denver, the conversation often focuses on superstars such as Nolan Arenado, Carlos Gonzalez and most recently rookie Trevor Story. When it’s not on them, then it’s typically on their perpetually troubled pitching staff.
It doesn’t leave much room for fans outside Colorado to get familiar with the Rockies supporting cast, which is a shame considering they employ one of the best supporting players around in Charlie Blackmon.
Blackmon, 29, has developed into a top notch outfielder, yet the only ones giving him his due come from the stat-driven and fantasy baseball communities. That’s because Blackmon plays with a little more grit and a lot less flash than his previously mentioned teammates. He never had the same hype either, but his numbers have been consistently productive and valuable.
With that said, there’s a golden opportunity to get familiar with Blackmon on Sunday afternoon when his Rockies take on the Padres in the MLB Free Game of the Day on Yahoo Sports. The game will be streamed live on Yahoo’s Sports Home, MLB index and video home beginning at 4:10 p.m. ET.
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One thing’s for sure, it’s not Blackmon’s personality that’s holding him back. He’s one of the more out-going and quirky players around, which has helped make him a fan favorite locally.
Also, he might be a ninja.
As you can see, his beard game is pretty strong. That’s been the case dating back to his first season in 2011. That also garnered him some fame locally, but it’s his all-around skill set that deserves our attention.
Blackmon is not a five-tool player, but he’s not particularly weak in any area either. He can play all three outfield spots. He’s hit 43 home runs since the beginning of the 2014 season. He’s stolen 75 bases during the same time period. He’s an on-base machine when he’s locked in, as evidenced by his 32-game on-base streak that was only snapped on Tuesday in Los Angeles.
Above all that though, he plays with an energy and a passion that’s matched by few and exceeded by none.
Blackmon does have one All-Star selection under his belt. He appeared in the 2014 Mid-summer Classic in Minnesota, so it’s not as though he’s been completely off the radar. In a larger market though, or even just on a more consistently competitive team, he’d be a star..
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Townie813
