Like most baseball fans my age, I grew up thinking Pete Rose was one of the greatest players of all time. I loved his style, hustle, baseball cards and all else. He was certainly on a path to the Hall of Fame.
As I reached adulthood, it all started to unravel for Pete. Gambling accusations and other indiscretions, suspensions and finally banishment from the game he loved so much. He denied all, for a while at least. Eventually, more info came out and little by little Pete started fessing up. Pete tried several times for reinstatement, but was denied every time.
In more recent years, statisticians have treated Pete less kindly, giving him far less credit for what he accomplished in his career. He was now called a singles hitter, with little power and below average defense.
I don't really care either way if Pete gets in the Hall of Fame. I think the BBHOF is a joke now anyway. Some steroid players are in, while some are denied. Even the Commish during the steroid era is in. Some lesser players are getting in now, due to favoritism or the shifting of baseball stats. I just don't care anymore. It is no longer the best of the best, most elite.
I have to refute a few arguments for his reinstatement though. He was put on the "permanently ineligible" list. It wasn't a lifetime ban. His death does nothing to change that.
Also, is it is true that he did not bet against the Reds, it is only slightly relevant if he bet them to win every game of the season. If not, what does that say about the other games?
Lastly, sympathizers argue to forgive. It's not my place (nor anyone else's) to forgive him. That's up to his maker. It's not about forgiving though. He broke a cardinal rule of baseball. He can be forgiven, but not exonerated.
My arguments don't mean I want him out of the HOF. Again, I don't care. I just don't like those arguments for him. If MLB decides to make him eligible again and the HOF puts him on the ballot, I wouldn't care.
I know I am the old guy yelling about new times. Actually, I am not. I am simply stating I don't enjoy the game nearly as much because of the rule changes and many other parts of the game. I realize younger folks enjoy it more and that's okay.
As for Pete, he's gone and the HOF won't matter to him. Maybe his family would like it.
Was Pete's problem a disease? Was he born too early, now that gambling is all over sports? It's all a complicated situation..
Pete Rose and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2017.
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