For years, former MLB star and Cincinnati Reds icon Pete Rose has been denied entry to the National Baseball Hall of Fame because of his gambling issues.
Rose has admitted he bet on the Reds during his playing and managing days.
However, there is no evidence to suggest he did it against them, which would be entirely different and really problematic.
It was still troubling that he involved gambling with professional sports while being a part of the league, and that’s why he is currently ineligible for the Hall.
In any case, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has already reviewed his case, in 2015.
Manfred rejected Rose’s plea for reinstatement back then.
Lately, Rose has encountered a lot of support from fans, especially those who saw the passion with which he played the game back in the Big Red Machine days.
Free……#PeteRose….. pic.twitter.com/eWxwVqZjvf
— Raul Renteria (@ChiCagoGucci) February 11, 2022
On the field, there is little argument to keep Rose out of the Hall.
On-Field Merits
He hit .303/.375/.409 with the all-time lead in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and singles (3,215).
Rose made 17 All-Star Games, won three World Series, took home the 1973 NL MVP award and the 1975 World Series MVP award, and was also named the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year.
Rounding out his impressive resume are two Gold Gloves, one Silver Slugger, and three batting titles.
He was the true master of the hit, and few batters in the history of the game have showcased a similar contact ability.
Many fans still despise what he did, even if gambling didn’t directly influence his effort and decisions according to him.
Something extraordinary will need to happen for Rose to make it into Cooperstown: fans formally clamoring for it, him making a heartfelt public admission, or a Commissioner change.
Most fans want him in, though.
On the field, there was no one quite like him.
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Alan I. Bigel says
Keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall of Fame is a disgrace. He earned all his player records untainted. Put him in as a player, and if necessary, mention on his plaque that he was banned from baseball in 1989 for gambling violations. He is in his 80s and, over 30 years after his ban, has paid his debt to the game. Give him this well-deserved honor while he is alive.
David Roodzant says
Put Pete Rose in the hall of fame. It’s time to forgive and move on. Pete’s career numbers justify it. The fans want Pete in the HOF, and he deserves to see the honor happen.