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During that time, he made three of his four All-Star Game appearances.\n\nBlackmon’s best year was 2017, when he won the National League batting title (.331) and led the Majors in total bases (387), plate appearances (725), runs (137), hits (213) and triples (14). He also hit 37 homers and set an MLB record with 103 of his 104 RBIs coming from the leadoff spot. Blackmon placed fifth in NL Most Valuable Player Award voting that year. The Rockies moved him to right field in '19.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2017-09-30T00:10:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2017/09/30/1855628683/1506734144985/asset_1200K.mp4","type":"video","description":"Charlie Blackmon belts a two-run homer into the second deck in right, giving him an MLB record 101 RBIs from the leadoff spot on the season","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:29","slug":"blackmon-sets-leadoff-rbi-mark-c1855628683","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-2017","title":"HBmig 2017","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-int-tag-1","title":"HBmig INT Yahoo Fantasy","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-int-yahoo","title":"HBmig INT Yahoo","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-mlbcomwatermark","title":"HBmig MLB.com Watermark","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-453568","title":"Charlie Blackmon","person":{"__ref":"Person:453568"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-partner-settop","title":"HBmig PARTNER_SETTOP","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-115","title":"Colorado Rockies","team":{"__ref":"Team:115"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-115","title":"HBmig Colorado Rockies","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-rbi","title":"HBmig 2013/03/19/sfnmlb-seamlb-1","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-editorial-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_EDITORIAL_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-119","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 119","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-115","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 115","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"home-run","title":"home run","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"milestone","title":"milestone","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/ednicwsnjrt6zwhbtcjb"},"title":"Blackmon sets leadoff RBI mark","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/blackmon-sets-leadoff-rbi-mark-c1855628683"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**2)** Ellis Burks, **1994-98** \n_Key fact: Finished third in NL MVP Award voting in 1996_\n\nBurks played just 303 games in center field, but his production in those games was remarkable -- 74 home runs, 193 RBIs and a .590 slugging percentage. In his biggest year, his 1996 All-Star season, Burks led the Majors in runs (142) and total bases (392) and was tops in the NL in slugging percentage (.639). He also batted .344 and finished third in NL MVP Award voting.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"1996-09-28T07:33:00Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/mp4/2018/02/09/1874558183/1518206456771/asset_450K.mp4","type":"video","description":"9/28/96: Rockies outfielder Ellis Burks hits his 40th home run of the season","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:00:48","slug":"burks-hits-40th-homer-of-1996-c1874558183","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mlbtax-vtp-1990","title":"HBmig 1990s","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-embeddable","title":"HBmig Blog embeddable","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-111736","title":"Ellis Burks","person":{"__ref":"Person:111736"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-mlbcomwatermark","title":"HBmig MLB.com Watermark","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-137","title":"HBmig Seattle Mariners","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-mmtax-shareable","title":"HBmig FB shareable (internal)","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-115","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 115","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-archive","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ARCHIVE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-115","title":"Colorado Rockies","team":{"__ref":"Team:115"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-115","title":"HBmig Colorado Rockies","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"home-run","title":"home run","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"classic","title":"classic","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"hitting","title":"hitting","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"milestone","title":"milestone","type":"taxonomy"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"highlight","title":"highlight","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qjqdtf2mx1u6j0xrg5ht"},"title":"Burks hits 40th homer of 1996","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/burks-hits-40th-homer-of-1996-c1874558183"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**3)** Dexter Fowler, **2008-13** \n_Key fact: Only Rockies player aside from Charlie Blackmon to exceed 2,000 plate appearances as center fielder_\n\nBefore becoming a major cog in the postseason with the Cubs (he has a 2016 World Series ring) and Cardinals, the switch-hitting Fowler had his growing pains and successes with the Rockies. Fowler led MLB in triples with 14 in '10, and his 53 three-baggers stand as the club career record. Among center fielders in the club’s 28-season history, the only players with over 2,000 plate appearances at the position are Blackmon (3,068) and Fowler (2,572).","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Video","contentDate":"2010-08-01T18:32:05Z","preferredPlaybackScenarioURL({\"preferredPlaybacks\":\"mp4AvcPlayback\"})":"http://mediadownloads.mlb.com/mlbam/2010/08/01/mlbtv_chncol_10522553_800K.mp4","type":"video","description":"8/1/10: Dexter Fowler takes a potential game-tying homer away from Alfonso Soriano with an amazing leaping catch at the wall in the ninth","displayAsVideoGif":false,"duration":"00:01:26","slug":"fowler-s-game-saving-grab-c10522553","tags":[{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-top-play","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_TOP_PLAY","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-no-transcode","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_NO_TRANSCODE","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbcom-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBCOM_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-home-team-id-115","title":"HBmig home_team_id: 115","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-combined-media-state-media-on","title":"HBmig MEDIA_ON","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlb-player-highlight","title":"HBmig MLB_PLAYER_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TeamTag","slug":"teamid-115","title":"Colorado Rockies","team":{"__ref":"Team:115"},"type":"team"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-team-id-115","title":"HBmig Colorado Rockies","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlb-pitch","title":"HBmig MLB_PITCH","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"GameTag"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-weight-1","title":"HBmig 1","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-away-team-id-112","title":"HBmig away_team_id: 112","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"PersonTag","slug":"playerid-451594","title":"Dexter Fowler","person":{"__ref":"Person:451594"},"type":"player"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-realtime-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_REALTIME_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-application-highlight","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_APPLICATION_HIGHLIGHT","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"InternalTag","slug":"hbmig-subject-mlbmobile-features","title":"HBmig MLBMOBILE_FEATURES","type":"unsupported"},{"__typename":"TaxonomyTag","slug":"defense","title":"defense","type":"taxonomy"}],"thumbnail":{"__typename":"Thumbnail","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/qmtqdv2adj3brvus7skm"},"title":"Fowler's game-saving grab","relativeSiteUrl":"/video/fowler-s-game-saving-grab-c10522553"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**4)** Preston Wilson, **2003-05** \n_Key fact: Elected to All-Star Game in 2003_\n\nAfter arriving in a trade with the Marlins, Wilson posted a 3.9 offensive [WAR](http://m.mlb.com/glossary/advanced-stats/wins-above-replacement), per Baseball-Reference, during his time with Colorado. In 2003, when he got an All-Star Game nod, he hit 36 home runs, led the NL with 141 RBIs and posted career highs in batting average (.282) and slugging percentage (.537). A left knee injury in '04 limited Wilson's future production with the Rockies, and he was dealt to the Nationals in '05. He would go on to earn a World Series ring with the Cardinals in '06.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/l67hrezm91c9rqltxwxb","type":"image"},{"__typename":"Markdown","content":"**5)** Juan Pierre, **2000-02** \n_Key fact: Batted .308 while striking out just 96 times in 1,542 plate appearances in a Rockies uniform_\n\nPierre noses out some players who put up decent numbers, such as Cory Sullivan, Quinton McCracken and Willy Taveras. Pierre was the Rockies’ regular center fielder from his Aug. 7, 2000, debut until he was dealt to the Marlins after the '02 season; Sullivan, McCracken and Taveras had periods as reserves. As Colorado's leadoff man, Pierre was a solid stolen-base threat -- he led the NL in '01 with 46 and recorded 47 in '02 -- and he batted .308 while striking out just 96 times in 1,542 plate appearances, with a .356 on-base percentage.","type":"text"},{"__typename":"Image","caption":null,"contextualCaption":null,"contextualAspectRatio":null,"credit":null,"contentType":null,"format":"jpg","templateUrl":"https://img.mlbstatic.com/mlb-images/image/private/{formatInstructions}/mlb/efgaypizcocmyei1w9sd","type":"image"}],"relativeSiteUrl":"/news/rockies-center-fielders-all-time-ranking","contentType":"news","subHeadline":null,"summary":"No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. Love this list? 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No one loves a good debate quite like baseball fans, and with that in mind, we asked each of our beat reporters to rank the top five players by position in the history of their franchise, based on their career while playing for that club. Love this list? Hate it? If you don’t agree with the order, participate in the Twitter poll to vote for your favorite at this position.
This week's #Rockies top 5 centers on CF. I've done mine. What's your order? Here are choices:
Charlie Blackmon Ellis Burks Dexter Fowler Quinton McCracken Juan Pierre Ryan Spilborghs Cory Sullivan Willy Taveraa Preston Wilson
Here is Thomas Harding's ranking of the top five center fielders in Rockies history. Next week: right field.
• Rockies All-Time Around the Horn Team:C | 1B | 2B | 3B | SS | LF
1)Charlie Blackmon, 2011-present Key fact: Made three of four All-Star Game appearances based on center-field play with Rockies
The position is one of the most challenging in baseball. Coors Field has the biggest center-field area in the game, and the way the ball travels off the bat makes for full-speed sprints -- often toward an unforgiving wall. From Opening Day 2014 through '18, Blackmon gave the Rockies the most production and longevity at the position. During that time, he made three of his four All-Star Game appearances.
Blackmon’s best year was 2017, when he won the National League batting title (.331) and led the Majors in total bases (387), plate appearances (725), runs (137), hits (213) and triples (14). He also hit 37 homers and set an MLB record with 103 of his 104 RBIs coming from the leadoff spot. Blackmon placed fifth in NL Most Valuable Player Award voting that year. The Rockies moved him to right field in '19.
2)Ellis Burks, 1994-98 Key fact: Finished third in NL MVP Award voting in 1996
Burks played just 303 games in center field, but his production in those games was remarkable -- 74 home runs, 193 RBIs and a .590 slugging percentage. In his biggest year, his 1996 All-Star season, Burks led the Majors in runs (142) and total bases (392) and was tops in the NL in slugging percentage (.639). He also batted .344 and finished third in NL MVP Award voting.
3)Dexter Fowler, 2008-13 Key fact: Only Rockies player aside from Charlie Blackmon to exceed 2,000 plate appearances as center fielder
Before becoming a major cog in the postseason with the Cubs (he has a 2016 World Series ring) and Cardinals, the switch-hitting Fowler had his growing pains and successes with the Rockies. Fowler led MLB in triples with 14 in '10, and his 53 three-baggers stand as the club career record. Among center fielders in the club’s 28-season history, the only players with over 2,000 plate appearances at the position are Blackmon (3,068) and Fowler (2,572).
4)Preston Wilson, 2003-05 Key fact: Elected to All-Star Game in 2003
After arriving in a trade with the Marlins, Wilson posted a 3.9 offensive WAR, per Baseball-Reference, during his time with Colorado. In 2003, when he got an All-Star Game nod, he hit 36 home runs, led the NL with 141 RBIs and posted career highs in batting average (.282) and slugging percentage (.537). A left knee injury in '04 limited Wilson's future production with the Rockies, and he was dealt to the Nationals in '05. He would go on to earn a World Series ring with the Cardinals in '06.
5)Juan Pierre, 2000-02 Key fact: Batted .308 while striking out just 96 times in 1,542 plate appearances in a Rockies uniform
Pierre noses out some players who put up decent numbers, such as Cory Sullivan, Quinton McCracken and Willy Taveras. Pierre was the Rockies’ regular center fielder from his Aug. 7, 2000, debut until he was dealt to the Marlins after the '02 season; Sullivan, McCracken and Taveras had periods as reserves. As Colorado's leadoff man, Pierre was a solid stolen-base threat -- he led the NL in '01 with 46 and recorded 47 in '02 -- and he batted .308 while striking out just 96 times in 1,542 plate appearances, with a .356 on-base percentage.