Peter Edward Rose Sr. R.I.P. (1941-2024)
My Tribute
I did not plan to publish a post this close to the last one. However, I did not know that a true legend was going to depart from this world. Peter Edward Rose…Charlie Hustle…the Hit King has passed away. Pete has shown up in at least two of my past posts. Therefore, I would feel remiss if I did not take this opportunity to pay him a quick tribute.
Remembering…
I did get the opportunity to meet Pete very briefly back in the late 80s when I lived in Cincinnati. I was at some downtown hotel when Pete pulled up to valet parking in his Red Porsche. So, I would love to share with you the selfie that I took. But, we did not have cameras in our pockets back then and selfies had not been invented. Instead, I shook his hand and wished him luck in the game (he was player/manager at the time).
Since I did not have that picture, here is my brief, personal collection of Pete related photos over the years. The first picture below is my finger in Cooperstown, NY, pointing at the spot on the Hall of Fame Wall where Pete Rose’s plaque SHOULD have been. Then, the second picture is Carol at the Reds’ Hall of Fame in Cincinnati. There is one baseball for every hit accomplished by Baseball’s Hit King.
For those of you that have been negligent and are not familiar with the Great American Ball Park, many of the Big Red Machine legends have their own statues. I do not attend a Reds game without stopping by the Charlie Hustle statue…
Setting the Record Straight
In Pete’s 83 years of life, he managed to generate lots of thrills and lots of controversy. I believe his omission to the Baseball Hall of Fame is the greatest of all his controversies. Certainly, the conversation will only get new life on the passing of Baseball’s Hit King. Just in case you are unsure of your position on the HOF issue and need to know the CORRECT answer…
Pete Rose bet on baseball…no doubt. Pete Rose rightfully paid the price by being banned from playing or coaching baseball for life. I accept that. However, Bart Giamatti (relevant Baseball Commissioner for this controversy) was not a rational man. At Giamatti’s urging, the Baseball HOF took the NEW position that players who are banned from baseball can NOT be considered for the HOF. If Giamatti and the HOF were NOT so petty and vindictive, Pete’s name would have been allowed on the Hall of Fame voting ballet. Then, as with every other player, the Baseball writers would decide if Pete’s crimes warrant a HOF omission. This would be the consistent approach for all the Baseball steroid cheaters. Record straight!
Its Only for Life
Well, Peter Edward Rose is dead. Therefore, the lifetime ban is over. What happens next? Heck if I know. You only have a certain amount of years after you retire to make it in the Hall of Fame. Pete’s eligibility expired long ago. So, it will take special consideration to get him into the Hall of Fame at this point. But, you know what…screw the Hall of Fame. It would be a sad, pathetic day if they ever inducted him now. They banned him…and Pete certainly does not need them now.
Pete Rose’s accomplishments will never be forgotten by the people that matter. Rest in Peace Charlie Hustle, Hit King…Peter Edward Rose Sr. PT
P.S. Post Posts
Here are a couple posts from the past featuring Pete Rose
I completely agree with you.