The Complications of Pete Rose

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.

Pete Rose at The National 2017

one of the first baseball players I ever remember is Pete Rose.  When I was growing up, he was one of the best players.  "Charlie Hustle" was about a third of the way through his career, but definitely on a path to the Hall of Fame.

A Rookie of the Year, 17x All-Star, 3x NL batting champ, 2x Gold Glove, an NL MVP and a World Series MVP, Rose racked up the hardware, while moving as a starter from 2B to RF to LF to 3B and finally to 1B.  He is the all time hits leader and was also the last Player-Manager.

Unfortunately, Rose's enshrinement in the Hall was derailed by his admitted gambling.  This has been a source of debate for the last 30+ years.

The rules are clearly posted in ever MLB clubhouse.  This wasn't an isolated incident and Rose knew what he was doing.

His case probably isn't helped by some of his actions.  Making cash while signing "apology" baseballs might not have mattered, but it didn't look good either.

I met Rose at the National last year.  After all these years, I'm still not sure how I feel about the HOF debate or Rose, for that matter.  Still, I recognize him as one of the biggest sports stars ever, probably one of the biggest names in pop culture, too.

I had the chance to meet a baseball hero from my youth and I was happy to talk to him briefly.  I don't need to put him on a pedestal to recognize and respect what he did on the field. 

Rose accomplished a lot on the field.  Nobody can take that away from him.  Knowing his love of the game, I am sure it kills him not to be in the HOF.

Just like the steroid issue, I hate that gambling has affected Rose's place in baseball history.  Baseball stats and the HOF no longer mean what they did when I was younger.  These things were revered.  It's a shame.

As for Rose at the National, he was polite, but overly talkative.  It wasn't a bad experience, but it wasn't a particularly memorable one either, aside from who Rose is.  I guess like I wrote about Rose, regardless of what happens, I am still there, next to one of the elite in baseball.

 Pete Rose and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Pete Rose and Alisa Goler

Friendly Encounters is a weekly feature about friends who have met celebrities.

I have been covering the Chicago Bandits for a couple seasons.  Last season, I had the pleasure of meeting Alisa Goler.  My interview with her can be found at On the Beat with Alisa Goler.
The former Georgia Bulldog, Goler now plays for the Pennsylvania Rebellion.  It was in PA, that Goler met Pete Rose.
I love this picture.  It represents all that is good in sports.  Rose is an all-time great (despite the controversies).  Goler got the picture with Rose and proudly put it up on social media.
It is great to see a player like Goler pictured with a baseball legend.  It is great to see she is not jaded and still gets a thrill out of meeting sports legends.  It speaks of innocence and dreams and respect.  It is one simple picture, but it says a lot to me.
Of course, you might think that maybe Goler just took a picture with a celebrity, but I seriously think it is my original thought.  If you listen to that interview, you will hear Goler is a true pro and has respect and appreciation for sports.  I am pretty sure Rose would not be just another photo for Goler.
I wish Goler a lot of luck this season and beyond (well, except when she plays against the Bandits).  I think big things are ahead for her.

Pete Rose and Alisa Goler in Washington, PA-June 2015.