Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king and Cincinnati Reds icon, has passed away at the age of 83. Despite his remarkable career and achievements, his legacy was marred by gambling transgressions that kept him out of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada confirmed Rose's death. Known for his relentless playing style, Rose earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle.”
CNN reported that Rose amassed 4,256 hits over an impressive 24-season career, making him Major League Baseball’s all-time hit leader.
He played key roles in three World Series championship teams, namely the Cincinnati Reds (1975, 1976) and the Philadelphia Phillies (1980).
Throughout his career, Rose garnered 17 National League All-Star selections and won prestigious awards, including the National League Rookie of the Year in 1963 and the Most Valuable Player award in 1973. His ability to hit from either side of the plate and extensive research on opposing pitchers showcased his dedication.
However, Rose's career faced significant controversy due to gambling activities. Reports surfaced in early 1989 that Rose was betting on MLB games, including games involving his own team while he served as both a player and a manager.
In response, MLB hired lawyer John Dowd to investigate the allegations. The investigation led to Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti banning Rose for life in August 1989. Although he could apply for reinstatement after demonstrating rehabilitation, Rose spent years denying any involvement in betting on baseball.
Rose eventually admitted to betting on baseball in 2004, marking a significant turn in his narrative.
The Baseball Hall of Fame's 1991 ruling stated that players on the permanent ineligible list, such as Rose, would not feature on its ballot.
Rose's admissions continued over the years, including a notable acknowledgment on ESPN Radio in 2007. Despite his efforts to be reinstated, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred denied this request in 2015.
Rose's legacy extended beyond his playing days. His podcast on sports betting, “Pete Rose’s Daily Picks,” reflected his ongoing engagement with the sport.
In June 2016, the Cincinnati Reds inducted Rose into their Hall of Fame, and a statue was erected in his honor outside their ballpark in 2017.
Reflecting on his life, Rose idolized his father and pursued sports to make him proud. He once remarked, "Everything I ever wanted out of life started and ended with loving my dad ... and wanting to make him proud of me.”
Rose’s career was packed with noteworthy accomplishments. Leading the league in hits and batting averages multiple times, he also received two Gold Glove awards. Remarkably, he played more than 500 games at five different positions.
His reputation for hard work and dedication was evident in his approach to studying pitchers, which he elaborated on, saying, "I knew what every pitcher threw. I knew when he was going to throw it ... And the day of the game, I knew how I was going to approach (Sandy) Koufax or (Don) Drysdale or (Juan) Marichal or (Bob) Gibson."
Despite his challenges, Rose maintained a tone of regret for his actions. In his 2019 autobiography “Play Hungry,” he expressed remorse: “I’m not a man who goes around saying sorry, but on this one, I’m truly sorry.”
Rose was deeply connected to the fans and the game. During his Reds Hall of Fame induction ceremony, he acknowledged the inspiration he drew from the supporters: “You motivated me to play the way I did. ... I wasn’t diving for me. I was diving for you. I was hitting for you. I was trying to score runs for you.”
Rose's journey began with a minor league deal with the Reds in 1960, signed after a tryout arranged by his uncle. His hustle and determination became hallmarks of his career.
Reflecting on his career, Rose expressed his enduring love for the sport: “I know that if I ever make the Hall of Fame in some way, it’s sure to be long after I’m gone from this world. But I want you to know how I loved baseball, and that I lived a life dedicated to the sport, and played the game the way it should be played ... always all out.”
Rose is survived by his longtime fiancée, his children including Pete Rose Jr., and was separated from his second wife in 2011.
