MLB Removes Pete Rose and Others From Permanent Ineligibility List
In a momentous move, Major League Baseball (MLB) has decided to remove Pete Rose and 16 other deceased individuals from the permanent ineligible list. The announcement was made by Commissioner Rob Manfred, marking a milestone in baseball history.
Manfred’s decision comes after the death of Rose on September 30 at the age of 83 and in response to a request from the Rose family.
- Eddie Cicotte
- Happy Felsch
- Chick Gandil
- Joe Jackson
- Fred McMullin
- Swede Risberg
- Buck Weaver
- Lefty Williams
- Joe Gedeon
- Gene Paulette
- Benny Kauff
- Lee Magee
- Phil Douglas
- Cozy Dolan
- Jimmy O’Connell
- William Cox
Rose was banned on August 24, 1989, after it was revealed that he had bet on Major League games while he was manager of the Cincinnati Reds, violating MLB Rule 21.
“In my opinion, once a person has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been fulfilled. Obviously, a person who is no longer with us cannot pose a threat to the integrity of the game. Furthermore, it is difficult to conceive of a sanction that has a greater deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime without pardon.”
Rob Manfred, MLB Commissioner
Rose, a historic hits leader with 4,256, spent much of his career with the Reds, who will honor him in a ceremony.
The decision to remove Rose and the other players from the ineligible list does not automatically imply admission to the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame will establish a voting process to determine whether Rose and the others will be eligible.
Hall of Fame board president Jane Forbes Clark said those removed from the ineligible list will be considered for induction. The Historical Perspective Committee will create an eight-name ballot for the Classic Baseball Era Committee to vote on.
MLB’s official statement on Manfred’s decision noted that “the decision in this matter will apply to individuals in the past or in the future who are posthumously on the permanent ineligible list.”
Reds owner Bob Castellini expressed his gratitude for the decision, highlighting Rose’s importance to baseball and the positive impact on his family and fans.
Mike Schmidt, Phillies legend and Hall of Famer, also celebrated the decision, highlighting that the decision of whether or not Rose deserves to be in the Hall will be made by a select panel.
