Charlie Blackmon
A bearded, hard-nosed leadoff hitter who became the soul of the Colorado Rockies, famous for his walk-up music and clutch performances.
Born 1986 (age 40)·American former baseball player·Birthday: July 1·Millennials
Biography
Charlie Blackmon’s path to baseball wasn't a straight line. Drafted out of Georgia Tech as a pitcher, he transformed himself into an outfielder in the minors, a testament to his relentless work ethic. When he finally cracked the Rockies' lineup, his distinctive bushy beard and intense focus made him instantly recognizable. He wasn't just a fan favorite for his style; he was a hitting machine, capturing a batting title in 2017 with a .331 average and becoming one of the most productive leadoff hitters in the game's history. For over a decade, his presence in the batter's box, often to the tune of his chosen walk-up song, was a constant in Denver, embodying the gritty spirit of the franchise through highs and lows.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Charlie was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Charlie Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Charlie's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the National League batting title in 2017 with a .331 average.
- Earned four All-Star selections (2014, 2017, 2018, 2019).
- Recorded a six-hit game in 2014, going 6-for-6 with three home runs.
- Holds the MLB record for most RBIs in a single game from the leadoff spot (9).
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Chuck Nazty' is a play on the rapper Chief Keef's alias 'Chief Keef' and his own first name.
He was originally drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 28th round in 2004 but did not sign, choosing to attend college instead.
Blackmon is an accomplished guitarist and his walk-up music was often a song he recorded himself.
He majored in business management at Georgia Tech.
“I think the beard is just a byproduct of not really caring what people think.”
