Charlie Blackmon, the star player for the Colorado Rockies, says the decision to retire was “not an easy decision.”

Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon spoke to reporters Tuesday, a day after announcing his retirement from professional baseball. He began the news conference with his young daughter and son on his lap.

“I don't think I really understand the magnitude of it yet,” he said. “I think this last week will say a lot about how I feel about retiring from the game.”

Blackmon has played his entire career for the Rockies and said he has been thinking about retirement for some time. His final games will be played this weekend at Coors Field.

Although he hasn't decided what his next steps are, Blackmon is looking forward to spending more time with his family and “staying present in Colorado.”

“It's just such an incredible state. … I really enjoy fishing and being outdoors and there's no better place than Colorado,” he said.

He says he and his family will be doing some traveling and that he wants to attend events he hasn't had the opportunity to attend in the past, such as the Kentucky Derby.

To celebrate the end of the MLB regular season, there will be fireworks at Coors Field after Friday's game, T-shirt giveaways at Saturday's game and a ceremony honoring Blackmon before the game on Sunday.

“I'm looking forward to this week, but I know it's obviously going to be different than anything I've ever experienced before,” Blackmon said.

Although he is healthy, Blackmon said he knows he is at a point in his career where many players are forced to retire due to health or other reasons, and he is glad it is not that way for him.

“The game is played at such a high level, it really requires a certain amount of time, physical ability, health and strength,” he said.