Cincinnati paid tribute to Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader in baseball, in a moving ceremony held at Great American Ball Park.
The celebration took place one day after Rose was removed from Major League Baseball’s lifetime ineligible list, a posthumous recognition of his outstanding career.
A tribute to the legend
The atmosphere in the stadium was charged with emotion, with chants of “Pete! Pete!”, a minute of silence, and the performance of the national anthem by the Rose High School choir. The number 14, symbol of his legacy, was present everywhere, from the fans’ jerseys to the highlights projected on the giant screen.
This city was my father.
Fawn Rose, daughter of Pete Rose
The team had announced its plan to celebrate Rose following his passing last fall. Barry Larkin and Eric Davis, who played under Rose’s management, shared anecdotes about their former coach, accompanied by George Foster, Rose’s former teammate. Rose’s family delivered the game ball before the Reds and Chicago White Sox game.
He played baseball with as much passion and competitive enjoyment as anyone.
Terry Francona, manager of the Reds
Pete Rose, who passed away in September at the age of 83, played for the Reds for 19 of his 24 seasons, winning two of his three World Series championships with his hometown team. His career was marred by a gambling scandal that led to a lifetime suspension on August 23, 1989.
An investigation by Major League Baseball concluded that Rose, a 17-time All-Star with 4,256 hits, repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985 to 1987, a violation of an MLB rule.
Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that the league’s policy on permanent ineligibility was being modified, establishing that suspensions would expire upon death. Manfred met with Fawn Rose and Jeffrey Lenkov, attorney for Pete Rose, on December 17.
Fawn Rose described Manfred as “kind and gentle”, thanking for the space to talk about her father, not only as a baseball player, but as a father and grandfather, and what he meant to Cincinnati fans.
Pete Rose Jr., who played in 11 games with Cincinnati in 1997, expressed his initial anger upon learning of Manfred’s decision, but called the change a step in the right direction.
I hate to say it, but he’s not going to bring him back. If they had said he wasn’t going to be delisted, but he was going to come back, bring him back. But it’s all positive things today.
Pete Rose Jr.
Although Rose’s banishment made him a pariah in baseball, he was always an idol in Cincinnati. He was beloved for his style of play and his connection to the “Big Red Machine,” the dominant Reds of the mid-70s.
The fans, in large numbers, flocked to the stadium, stopping in front of Rose’s statue to take photographs before entering. A black tarp with the number 14 covered the mound while the players practiced batting.
Bob Wunder, 65, of Dayton, recalled Rose’s delivery on the field.
I remember his enthusiasm. The head slides. He was a person with little talent, but he worked very hard.
Bob Wunder
Wunder lamented that Manfred’s decision came after Rose’s death.
It’s horrible. They should have done it when he was alive. If I were the family (Rose), I’d say ‘Thank you, but no thank you.’ It bothers me that it had to wait until he passed away.
Bob Wunder
The change in Rose’s status makes him eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame, although his induction is far from certain.
Rose’s case will be considered by the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era committee, which will meet in December 2027. A 10-person panel will select eight candidates, with the approval of the Hall’s board, and the group will be considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, requiring a vote of 75% or more.
I know I’m simplifying things. But what Pete did as a player, if it’s not in, there’s no Hall of Fame.
Terry Francona, Reds manager
Jerry Casebolt, 80, of Florence, Kentucky, stopped to take a photo in front of the Rose statue before the game. He recalled being at the 1970 All-Star Game when Rose collided with Ray Fosse in a memorable play at the plate, and he also attended the game in which Rose broke Ty Cobb’s hit record.
For him, Rose’s removal from the ineligible list was significant.
It was great to hear the news. Just opening the doors (to the Hall of Fame), but it’s still questionable. I hope he gets in. It’s a shame I couldn’t see it.
Jerry Casebolt
