Imagine a world where the all time leader in hits is actually a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Pete Rose had a final tally of 4,256 hits. Known as Charlie Hustle, Rose also holds the all time records for games played (3,562), at-bats (14, 053) and outs (10,328). Pete was the Rookie of the Year in 1963 and Most Valuable Player in 1973. The 17-time All-Star also won two Gold Gloves, three batting titles and three World Series'. Pete Rose has achieved absolutely everything that can be achieved in baseball other than his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.
All of the hard work that Charlie Hustle put into the game is starting to pay off. Players have begun to speak out and Bud Selig is starting to listen.
I would certainly like to see him in. He belongs in, really. His career is one that he needs to be right here in the middle of all of this. - Hank Aaron - interview with USA Today
When another Hall of Fame player, especially one as special as Hank Aaron speaks out and says that Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame, people better be listening. Pete Rose has been serving an indefinite lifetime suspension from baseball since he left the game for betting on baseball games. Rose did not cheat the game or himself. Pete began by only betting on other games than his own, until he finally placed a bet on his team to win a game.
I bet on my team to win every night because I love my team, I believe in my team. I did everything in my power every night to win that game. - Pete Rose - interview with ESPN
Where and when is it ever wrong to be confident that your team will win and placing a wager on your confidence? There is absolutely nothing wrong with any person at all waging their own money on themselves, under any circumstances at all. When you're doing everything you can do to win, why is it a problem to have a bet on the side as well. I understand Rose didn't need more money and was far from struggling, but he was the kid of guy that enjoyed that thrill. For a man as competitive as Charlie Hustle, could you really believe he would rather make a few bucks by throwing a game or that he is placing his money on the line to go out and win? Take a step back and really think about it. A man that slides head first to sacrifice himself in order to make the play, that's not the kind of guy thats willing to lose intentionally.
Welcome To Cooperstown, Pete
It doesn't matter what the reason for Pete Rose being reconsidered for the Hall of Fame is. Whether it's due to a lack of other notable players eligible next year, players beginning to emerge from the steroid era or voters beginning to feel unsure as to who does and does not get to be immortalized in Cooperstown. Whatever the case may be, I don't care, Pete Rose was one of the greatest baseball players of all time and regardless of betting on baseball, and idol to many little leaguers all over the world (the reason I slid head first at every base). Pete Rose defined hustle, heart and determination on the baseball field and has the statistics to show it. If and when Commisioner Bud Selig lifts the ban on Pete Rose, it is well deserved for Rose to be in the Hall of Fame immediately.
Thanks to Patrick - msigarmy.com for the photo of the Pete Rose exhibition at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.
Players should be considered based on their playing performance. What Rose did occurred when he managed. Will Selig let him in? Rose can take bets on if it will happen or not
http://realfakesports.blogspot.com/2009/07/pete-rose-laying-3-to-1-odds-vs-anyone.html
I think with all the current Hall of Fame players sharing that they feel Pete Rose deserves to be in Cooperstown with them, Bud Selig is more apt to allow it to happen. I think it’s a great thing for baseball if Rose is inducted.
BTW, really good stuff on your site.
There is no disagreement that Pete Rose was a good ballplayer.
I may be in the minority but I don’t think the ban should be lifted. To many sports idols are given a free pass for doing unethical things. Surely he knew it was a conflict of interest and unethical to be betting on games while in that business.
But then we let others get away with cheating in the game such as one of the latest 500 homer hitters. What glory is there in using drugs to power up to attain those records. I suppose in a way its the same thing. At least hammerin hank did it honest.
I don’t see how betting on your own team to win while you’re a coach and not a player and using performance enhancing drugs to hit multiple monstrous home runs to break major league records are in any way the same thing.
True that both are unethical and dishonest, but what Pete Rose did was in no way at all cheating to win. Rose never bet against his own team and intentionally tried to lose the game in order to make money.
I can see why someone may not want Rose in the hall of fame for what he did, but I can’t see how that relates to the current issue of steroid use in baseball.
He BELONGS in the HOF. Look at the numbers, that’s it. Game over.
He was the best hitter in baseball and still holds the record for hits. He has been a HOFr in my eyes forever.
Glad you agree here Jim. It’s a no doubter for me.
A Major League baseball Hall of Fame without Pete Rose, baseball’s all time hits leader, is a travesty. A joke. A player either makes the The Hall of Fame or doesn’t based on what that player accomplishes between the lines, while he played the game, and nothing else . . . period! Who is Bart Giamatti anyway to judge Pete Rose (or anybody else for that matter) and ban him from this shrine to baseball’s greats. Who is Bud Selig to continue this ridiculous decision? Look, Pete Rose will be judged one day by a higher authority, as we all will. In the meantime, Rose’s many accomplishments on the field have more than earned him the right to be enshrined in Cooperstown. Let’s get this right before we have another “Jim Joyce” issue and some commissioner steps up and admits this was wrong . . . after Rose is dead.
I agree with you 100%. Thank you very much for offering your opinion. I just hope that you’re right and something is done about this before it’s too late for Mr. Rose to see it happen.