Hall of Fame …. or Shame? Unfortunately for Pete Rose, baseball’s self-styled ‘Hit King’, the 74-year-old legend is forever poised to disgracefully reside in the latter despite his memorable sporting achievements.
– GALLERY: The NBA’s top-ten player salaries
– VOTE NOW: End of Year Awards 2015
– #360view: McGregor has leverage, UFC control
Rose was hoping a lifetime ban from the game dished out in 1989 for illegal gambling while both a player and manager of his beloved Cincinnati Reds would finally be overturned.
Like all former players, he wanted to remain involved in the game. Nothing too lofty, just on hand in an official capacity to share his experience and know-how. He also wanted a place in the Hall of Fame.
There’s a glimmer of hope on that front with Commissioner Rob Manfred leaving the door slightly ajar. “That decision must take place in a different forum,” he said. Yet dreams of once again donning a tracksuit however were dashed once and for all this week.
It’s SAD & ALARMING that folks out here don’t have compassion for @PeteRose_14. https://t.co/f1XtLCKTnY
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) December 17, 2015
The three-time World Series winner and holder of the most hits in history – a spellbinding 4,256 – initially denied any wrongdoing despite an explosive report firmly stating otherwise. He was told, in no uncertain terms by former commissioner Bart Giamatti, to ‘reconfigure’ his life. Rose though failed to heed his warnings.
It wasn’t until 2004 (he had already failed to have the ban lifted a few years earlier) that he finally admitted what everyone else already knew. This wasn’t a moment of pure clarity however. The revelations came in the release of his autobiography – one he would receive handsome sums for.
Rose attempted to salvage some of the damage by insisting he never bet on the Reds to lose. It was however too late. It was also a lie. For a man who resides in Las Vegas, the world’s gambling mecca, the Cincinnati folk hero had played the wrong hand too often for the sport’s lawmakers.
Rose wasn’t the greatest athlete. His swing wasn’t a thing of beauty. It was his work ethic and heart which propelled him towards greatness. What a shame then that when baseball pleaded with him to show remorse, he was unable to deliver. It is just sad that someone who has given the game so much will, rightly or wrongly, always be remembered for what happened once he struck out for the final time.
Please Allow Pete Rose reinstatement enough is enough! He’s suffered public and private humiliation for his actions long enough. #Truth
— Deion Sanders (@DeionSanders) December 15, 2015
“Mr. Rose’s public and private comments, including his initial admission in 2004, provide me with little confidence that he has a mature understanding of his own conduct,” said MLB chief Manfred.
“Mr. Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life either by an honest acceptance by him of his wrongdoing, so clearly established by the Dowd Report, or by a rigorous, self-aware and sustained program of avoidance by him of all the circumstances that led to his permanent ineligibility in 1989.”
Betting in baseball is tantamount to treason. Ever since the infamous Black Sox scandal of 1919 when Chicago White Sox players threw the World Series for money, anyone involved would be dealt with in the harshest way possible. It’s an admirable stance. Yet the double standards on display are sickening. Wager a few dollars on a win and you are dead to us. Inject your body with steroids? No problem. Serve a ban and we will see you soon.
Barry Bonds remains the home run king despite the fact he was juiced up to his eyeballs for most of his career. Alex Rodriguez too has been welcomed back into the fold despite being charged with doping. There are countless others. Furthermore, MLB has an equity stake in Draft Kings, one of the daily fantasy sports betting websites which has sparked huge controversy in the United States.
Rose is a gregarious, controversial figure with enough stories to fill two lifetimes. He is outspoken, obviously likes a bet, yet attacks life like the first basemen back in 70’s who feared for their lives when they saw the 17-time All-Star come hurtling towards them.
His appearance as a typically controversial, highly watchable pundit on Fox’s World Series coverage this year was box office. Think Roy Keane – the American version. It would be nice, though, if some compassionate leeway was granted.
The bottom line is here is a man in his twilight years desperate to give something back to a game which remains entrenched in his heart.
