Pete Rose had an impressive and controversial career in Major League Baseball (MLB), and is infamous for an off-field scandal involving allegations of gambling. In his illustrious career, Rose won Most Valuable Player in 1973, Rookie of the Year in 1963, three World Series rings (1975-1976, 1980), one Silver Slugger and two Golden Gloves. He was named in his 24-year career to 17 All-Star teams in five different positions. He holds the all-time league leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at bats (14,053), and singles (3,215). After finishing his career with the Cincinnati Reds he managed the team for four full seasons with a record of 426-388, which ranks him fifth in Reds history for managerial wins.
During his days as the Reds Manager, it was reported that Rose bet on 52 games in the 1987 season. The Dowd report, an investigative document which looks into the gambling claims against Rose, found that he was wagering almost $10,000 per game. The Dowd report led the MLB to ban him from baseball in 1989 and 1991, a ruling which determined that all players on the permanently ineligible list could not be voted into the MLB Hall of Fame.
The permanently ineligible list was created in 1920 by Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. The first baseball player banned was Lipman ‘Lip’ Pike, and there were 14 others banned before 1920. Landis banned roughly 13 people during his time as commissioner, eight of whom were those involved in the White Sox scandal of 1919. Since Landis’ death, Rose (banned in 1989), is the only other player to be banned and not reinstated. It was because of this ban that kept him from being inducted into Cooperstown.
Rose’s off-field scandal has tarnished his career accomplishments in the minds of MLB fans. His ban from baseball and the infamous hit on Fosse have become the markers of his time with the MLB. Nicknamed “Charlie Hustle,” Rose had only one speed and this speed was on full display in the 1970 All-Star game. With the game tied in the bottom of the twelfth inning, Rose rounded third looking to score and ran over catcher Ray Fosse to win the game. Fosse suffered a separated shoulder which never healed properly, and gave him chronic pain. Rose has been criticized for that hit, which was seen as an over-aggressive act displayed in an exhibition game.
Rose’s competitive instinct and intensity characterized how he played and made him a spectacle to watch. Now at the age of 74, he battles again, but this time he’s fighting to reclaim the image he created of himself in his playing days, and not what occurred off the field. Rose’s latest bid to lift the lifetime ban has been unsuccessful, but the stipulation, which league Commissioner Rob Manfred allowed, permits teams to honour Rose. The Reds jumped on that opportunity by erecting a statue and retiring his number.
The stipulation shows that the league is willing to allow some sort of negotiation with Rose. Unless a major rule change occurs he will never be put in the Hall of Fame. What Rose did in terms of the gambling was a mistake that not only cost him financially, but also permanently damaged his legacy and public image. Even though he and the Reds feel that he has learned his lesson, and that it is time to move on, the league seems reluctant to do the same.
This really has to do with the league maintaining its credibility in upholding the conduct it expects of its players; allowing Rose to be inducted undermines the legitimacy of the league and sets a precedent that could have unforeseen consequences. It is unfortunate for Rose as he was such a great player, but at least he is honoured by the team he won with, the Cincinnati Reds.
Excellent article, reflects the absurdity of some MLB rules.