Pete Rose, the record-holder for most hits in MLB history, has been removed from the league’s permanently ineligible list, which was announced on Tuesday. This decision paves the way for Rose, who passed away last September at the age of 83, to potentially be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. The ban on Rose was imposed in 1989 after an investigation uncovered that he had placed bets on games while playing for and managing the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred stated that permanent ineligibility ceases upon the passing of the disciplined individual, clarifying the administration of Major League Rules. This ruling will apply to both past and future individuals who are posthumously placed on the permanently ineligible list. The league’s decision impacts a total of 17 deceased individuals, including eight involved in the infamous 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal, such as “Shoeless” Joe Jackson.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame expressed its support for the MLB’s move, highlighting that anyone removed from the permanently ineligible list becomes eligible for consideration for the Hall of Fame. The Historical Overview Committee will compile a ballot of eight names for the Classic Baseball Era Committee to evaluate when it convenes in December 2027 to assess candidates who left a significant mark on the game before 1980.
In April, Manfred disclosed that he had discussions with President Donald Trump regarding various topics, including the potential impact of immigration policies on international players, with Pete Rose’s situation also being a focal point. Trump had previously mentioned on Truth Social in March his intention to pardon Rose, emphasizing that the baseball legend should not have been punished for gambling on baseball, particularly since he only wagered on his team’s victory.
After years of denying allegations, Rose finally admitted in a 2007 interview with ABC that he had bet on baseball during the late 1980s. In his 2004 book “My Prison Without Bars,” Rose confessed to betting on his team, acknowledging that his actions had raised doubts about the game’s integrity. Despite his missteps, Rose maintained that there was no valid reason for him to be penalized indefinitely, given his contributions to the sport.
Throughout his career spanning from 1963 to 1986, Rose achieved numerous accolades, including 17 MLB All-Star selections and three World Series championships. Playing primarily for the Cincinnati Reds but also for the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, Rose amassed the most hits, games, and at-bats in MLB history, solidifying his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players.
