Athletes make natural partners as brand ambassadors and endorsers for legal sportsbooks in the United States, but most of the time they are retired.
For the first time, an active MLB player has entered the industry.
MaximBet, a sportsbook that has launched in Colorado, introduced Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon as the latest athlete to form a partnership with a book. However, Blackmon becomes the first active MLB player to do so.
“Charlie is one of the most revered Rockies players of all time, and his style and career success makes him a perfect fit for MaximBet,” said MaximBet CEO Daniel Graetzert. “We are thrilled to welcome Charlie to the MaximBet family. We look forward to him hitting it out of the ballpark for us as we continue to grow in Colorado and across the country.”
MaximBet aims to go beyond just sportsbetting, as it markets itself as an entertainment and lifestyle experience. Part of Blackmon's deal will include promoting the company's "money can't buy" experiences.
With Nolan Arenado getting traded to the St. Louis Cardinals last year and Trevor Story leaving in free agency, Blackmon is now the most familiar face in the Rockies organization — at least locally. Former National League MVP Kris Bryant may be the national name baseball fans know, but Blackmon is the bigger star in Colorado as he enters his 12th season in the big leagues. He has only played with the Rockies in his career.
Blackmon has eight hits in 35 at-bats to start the season with one home run and a .229 batting average.
