Pete Rose has been removed from Major League Baseball’s permanently ineligible list, as announced by the league on Tuesday. This significant change means that Rose, who holds the record as baseball’s all-time leader in hits with 4,256, is now eligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame following his passing at the age of 83 last September.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred explained that permanent ineligibility will cease upon the death of the individual involved. He emphasized that this ruling will also apply to other deceased individuals previously on the ineligible list, which includes 17 figures, notably those linked to the infamous Black Sox scandal, such as “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.
This decision comes in light of ongoing discussions about Rose’s legacy and the circumstances surrounding his ban, which stemmed from an investigation that revealed he bet on games while playing for and managing the Cincinnati Reds. Although Rose initially denied these allegations for many years, he eventually admitted to betting on games in a 2007 interview. He expressed regret for his actions, which he acknowledged jeopardized the integrity of the sport.
In recent months, the topic of Rose has garnered attention beyond baseball, with discussions involving former President Donald Trump, who had expressed his desire to see Rose pardoned. Trump stated on social media that Rose should be forgiven for betting on his team to win, arguing that he had never bet against his own performance or that of his team.
Rose’s baseball career spanned from 1963 to 1986. He was a celebrated player, earning accolades such as 17 All-Star selections and three World Series championships. With the records he set, there’s a sentiment that this new development could pave the way for a reevaluation of his legacy in the sport.
This decision may serve as a potential turning point in how MLB approaches similar cases in the future and reflects a shift toward reconciliation with the complexities of the sport’s history.