Pete Rose passed away on Monday, leaving many in shock. The legendary baseball player, who lived his life with an intense drive, was known for his relentless approach to the game. During his 83 years, he approached life like a door to be burst open, rather than gently turned.
Rose was notorious for his speed, famously racing to first base even when he had walked, a trait highlighted by broadcaster Vin Scully, who remarked, “Pete Rose just beat out a walk.” The competitive spirit led him to calculate his batting average before reaching first base, and some speculate that this need for adrenaline contributed to his foray into gambling.
In 1985, after a home game victory as player-manager of the Cincinnati Reds, Rose invited a friend to his home following an intense night managing and achieving his 4,192nd hit, which broke Ty Cobb’s long-standing record. Amidst the excitement, he juggled sports talk shows on the radio, dismissing commentators as “idiots.” When home, his wife Carol offered pancakes, but Rose, engrossed in sports coverage, barely acknowledged her.
Fast-paced and impulsive, Rose’s approach to life integrated a singular focus on baseball. While others sought new hobbies and interests, he remained dedicated to the sport until the end. Just a day before his death, he was engaged in signing baseball cards at an event in Nashville with former teammates.
Despite his passion, the MLB banned him from baseball in 1989, a move that many perceived as deeply unjust. Rose maintained that he never bet against his team, which he believed should not warrant such punishment.
The ongoing debate about his place in the Baseball Hall of Fame continues to overshadow his remarkable achievements. Rose’s impact on the game cannot be understated. He was a 17-time All-Star, and despite the ban, he will always be remembered as one of baseball’s greats. It is unfortunate that his obituaries will likely highlight being “banned from baseball” right at the start, overshadowing his impressive 24-year career filled with excitement and passion for the game he loved.