is a kid at heart, in a big-leaguer’s body. He loves playing video games He fills his offseasons such as fishing, hunting and fighter jet rides.
And Friday night, Blackmon looked every bit of the part of a Little Leaguer living out a big league dream, as the centerfielder was involved in two energizing plays that propelled the Rockies to a 6-5 win over San Francisco in the series opener.
In the fourth, following ‘s first career grand slam that shifted the momentum of the game back to Colorado and gave the Rockies a 4-3 lead, Blackmon stepped to the plate with a runner on second and hit a sharp sinking liner to right field.
Hunter Pence charged in to make the play and end the inning for San Francisco but slipped, and the ball skipped to the wall. Meanwhile Blackmon, matted hair flowing out the back of his helmet, tore around the bases and executed a perfect slide to beat the relay throw and bring a chilled crowd to its feet.
“I know that particular ball flight is one that might get in the lights out there, so I’d imagine that’s what happened, and the rainy conditions didn’t help either,” Blackmon said. “As soon as it got by him, I knew I had to be running hard in case there was an opportunity for me to score.”
It was the 18th inside-the-parker in Rockies history and the first for a Colorado player since hit one off Sergio Romo on June 14, 2014, in San Francisco. And, along with Story’s wallop, the Rockies became the first National League team since the 1950 New York Giants to hit a grand slam and inside-the-park homer in the same inning.
Blackmon also had a sprawling, highlight-reel catch in deep rightcenter in the top of the fifth to rob Brandon Crawford of an extra base hit and take away a run for the Giants, who had the speedy Hunter Pence on base at the time of the at-bat and were pressing following Brandon Belt’s solo homer to start the inning.
All in all, it was just another day at the office for “Chuck Nazty,” a guy who prides himself on a hustle that’s taught at ballfields across America, yet usually forgotten by the time players reach the majors.
“I like to be able to put a consistent effort on the field every night, and to be as consistent as I can in my approach,” Blackmon said. “And I want myself to be associated with playing hard and being prepared.”
On tap for the centerfielder after the game tonight? No Call of Duty, unfortunately — Blackmon just moved into a new apartment and hasn’t set up his internet yet — so a book will have to do.
“I’ve got to get that set up,” Blackmon joked. “My friends miss me on there.”
