President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he plans to pardon Pete Rose, the legendary baseball star banned from Major League Baseball (MLB) in 1989 due to gambling. Trump acknowledged that Rose "shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING.” While the pardon is largely symbolic—since Rose passed away in September 2024 at age 83—it reignites a decades-old debate about Rose’s legacy, his gambling scandal, and his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.
Pete Rose: The Ballplayer and the Betting Scandal
Nicknamed "Charlie Hustle," Pete Rose was a relentless competitor who played from 1963 to 1986, mostly with the Cincinnati Reds. He is MLB’s all-time leader in hits (4,256), games played, at-bats, singles, and outs. He won three World Series titles and was a 17-time All-Star. However, his achievements have been overshadowed by his gambling scandal.
An MLB investigation in 1989 concluded that Rose bet on baseball, including games involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, between 1985 and 1987. Rose, who was both a manager and player-manager during that period, initially denied the allegations but later admitted in 2004 that he had, in fact, placed bets on Reds games. While there is no evidence he bet against his team, gambling as a manager created an ethical gray area. This led to his lifetime ban from baseball, which also kept him out of the Hall of Fame.
MLB’s Stance: The Integrity of the Game
Baseball has long maintained a strict stance on gambling, dating back to the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal, in which members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of throwing the World Series. Commissioner Rob Manfred upheld Rose’s ban in 2015, stating that Rose violated "rule one in baseball," which prohibits betting on the sport.
Despite multiple appeals, Rose remained on MLB’s ineligible list, preventing him from being considered for the Hall of Fame. John Dowd, the investigator who built the case against Rose in 1989, reinforced this point on Friday, noting, “MLB is not in the pardon business, nor does it control admission to the Hall of Fame.”
What Would Trump’s Pardon Mean?
Trump’s planned pardon would not reinstate Rose in MLB or the Hall of Fame. It could, however, erase his 1990 conviction for tax evasion, for which Rose served five months in prison and paid a $50,000 fine. Yet, with Rose deceased, the practical impact of the pardon is minimal. It serves more as a symbolic gesture, reinforcing the argument that Rose’s gambling offenses should not overshadow his contributions to baseball.
The Case for the Hall of Fame
Rose's supporters argue that his relentless style of play, durability, and impact on the game merit induction into Cooperstown. His defenders point out that unlike Shoeless Joe Jackson, who participated in a conspiracy to fix the 1919 World Series, Rose never attempted to lose games. While gambling could compromise a team’s integrity, Rose always bet on his team to win.
Critics, however, contend that MLB’s strict anti-gambling policy exists for a reason—to maintain the game’s credibility. Even if Rose was always betting on his team to win, doing so as a manager could have affected his decision-making, such as overusing pitchers or manipulating lineups for financial reasons rather than strategic ones.
The Complexity of Pete Rose’s Legacy
Beyond his gambling controversy, Rose’s legacy is complicated by personal misconduct. In 2017, allegations surfaced that he had a sexual relationship with a minor in the 1970s, though no legal action was taken due to the statute of limitations. These allegations further tainted his reputation, making Hall of Fame induction even more contentious.
Still, many baseball purists believe Rose belongs in the Hall for what he did on the field. His relentless playing style, willingness to switch positions for the good of the team, and record-breaking career make his exclusion feel like an incomplete chapter in baseball history.
Will Trump’s Pardon Change Anything?
Trump has a history of aligning with sports figures he views as winners, even if they are controversial—Barry Bonds, Tom Brady, and Wayne Gretzky, to name a few. His decision to pardon Rose fits that pattern. However, MLB has shown no indication that a presidential pardon would sway their stance on his ban. If anything, it may reinforce their resolve to keep Rose out.
While a pardon won’t rewrite baseball’s rulebook, it reignites a debate that has lingered for over three decades. Should Pete Rose’s accomplishments outweigh his transgressions? Should the Hall of Fame be a shrine to greatness or a reflection of moral character?
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