Rose Rumors

Pete Rose

Rumors are swirling, Pete Rose may be coming back into baseball. Banned for nearly 20 years, by MLB, one rumor has commissioner Bud Selig considering an end to the ban. Baseball Hall of Famers were in Cooperstown recently for the Ricky Henderson and Jim Rice inductions. Rumor says that several of the HOFamers are said to be wanting the ban on their old buddy Pete to end. Just what would an end to the ban of Rose in baseball mean? It may exclude managing, and/or coaching, perhaps he will become a spokesman for the game? What it really means is, he could be elected to the HOF. The exclusive club of baseball star's. I am not a baseball purist, I gave that up long ago. There are a lot of great ballplayers in the HOF. There are also a lot of human beings there who were full of shortcomings. Baseball's Hall of Fame is surely not...the Hall of Angels. I don't think the Hall of Fame for baseball is so sacrosanct. Pete Rose led a life that only few could, but many idolize, his life revolved around baseball and when it was found that he cheated on the rules he was banished form the world of baseball, what was up until then, his world. He had to learn to live without the great fame he worked so hard to achieve. He was surely imperfect. It was just a few years ago that he finally came clean with the public and admitted that he did bet on baseball games. At least this is what he has admitted to. As the all time hits leader, and one of the most exciting players from the 60's, 70's and 80's, I despised him as a player, while admiring his hustle and skill. As a fan of a rival team, I had to 'hate' Pete, as only a fan can.

I have been for letting Pete Rose back into baseball for many several years. The game is not pure, the players are not pure, the Hall of Fame is not pure and I think Pete Rose has payed the price for his 'crime'. Pete has served his sentence, I hope the rumors prove true, I hope Pete is allowed back in baseball, and ultimately goes into the Hall of Fame. Whatever one can say about Pete Rose, he played the game deserving of fame.