Pete Rose talks Hall of Fame induction in one of final interviews before death

Pete Rose Reflects on His Hall of Fame Chances in One of His Final Interviews

In one of his final interviews, just 10 days before his passing, Pete Rose shared his thoughts on his potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose, who died at the age of 83 in September due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, expressed a mix of resignation and hope regarding his chances of being enshrined in Cooperstown. Speaking to sportscaster John Condit in footage aired on Fox & Friends, Rose stated, "I’ve come to the conclusion, I hope I’m wrong, I’ll make the Hall of Fame after I die." While he acknowledged the possibility, he also voiced his disagreement with the idea, emphasizing that the Hall of Fame should honor a player’s achievements while they are still alive to appreciate it. "It’s for your family if you’re here. It’s for your fans if you’re here, not if you’re 10 feet under," he said. Rose questioned the purpose of posthumous induction, suggesting that it would primarily serve as a way for the Hall of Fame to profit from his legacy rather than celebrating his on-field accomplishments.

A Legendary Career Overshadowed by Controversy

Pete Rose, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, amassed an incredible list of achievements during his career. Known as "Charlie Hustle," he became Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king with 4,256 career hits, a record that still stands today. Rose was a 17-time All-Star, a three-time World Series champion, and the National League MVP in 1974. He also won three batting titles, showcasing his unparalleled skill and dedication to the game. Despite these accomplishments, Rose’s legacy was marred by a gambling scandal that led to his lifetime ban from MLB in 1989. His involvement in betting on baseball games, including those in which he played, violated the sport’s "golden rule," resulting in his exclusion from Hall of Fame consideration.

Rose Accepts Responsibility but Defends His Integrity

In the interview, Rose acknowledged the mistakes he made, particularly his gambling, but maintained that his actions did not harm his fans or the integrity of the game. "I didn’t hurt any of my fans by betting on the game of baseball, and by the way, betting on the game of baseball to win," he said with a smile. "Every game I played in, I wanted to win. I happened to win more than anybody else, but that’s OK, not bad." Rose expressed no bitterness over his banishment from the Hall of Fame, stating, "When you make a mistake, don’t be bitter to other people. I wish I hadn’t made the mistake, but I did, it’s history, get over it." While he accepted responsibility for his actions, Rose remained proud of his contributions to the sport, believing that his on-field achievements should be the primary focus when evaluating his legacy.

A Presidential Pardon and Continued Debate Over Rose’s Legacy

Rose’s Hall of Fame candidacy gained new attention when former President Donald Trump announced his intention to pardon Rose. In a Truth Social post, Trump criticized Major League Baseball for failing to induct Rose into the Hall of Fame, calling it "a shame" that Rose would never experience the honor during his lifetime. Trump argued that Rose’s gambling was a minor transgression, noting that he only bet on his own team to win and never against himself or others. The former president also praised Rose’s on-field accomplishments, calling him "a FAR BETTER PLAYER than most of those who made it" into the Hall of Fame. While the pardon would not directly impact Rose’s eligibility for the Hall of Fame, it added fuel to the ongoing debate over his legacy.

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred Refuses to Reconsider Rose’s Case

Despite Rose’s efforts to reinstate himself into MLB through formal applications in 2020 and 2022, Commissioner Rob Manfred denied both requests. Manfred deferred any Hall of Fame discussions to the Veteran’s Committee, emphasizing that Rose’s lifetime ban remained in place. The commissioner also dismissed speculation about Rose’s reinstatement in 2023, citing MLB’s growing partnerships with sportsbooks as a reason to uphold the ban. However, following Rose’s death, Manfred reportedly considered a petition from Rose’s family to remove him posthumously from baseball’s ineligible list. If successful, this could pave the way for Rose’s eventual induction into the Hall of Fame, fulfilling the prediction he made in his final interview.

A Legacy Honored by the Cincinnati Reds

While the Baseball Hall of Fame has yet to recognize Rose’s contributions, the Cincinnati Reds, the team with which he spent much of his career, have embraced his legacy. In 2016, the Reds inducted Rose into their own Hall of Fame and retired his iconic number 14 jersey. Rose made several appearances at MLB ballparks in the years leading up to his death, where he was greeted with admiration and nostalgia by fans. These gestures reflect the enduring love and respect that many fans have for "Charlie Hustle," a player whose on-field achievements remain unparalleled. As the debate over his Hall of Fame candidacy continues, one thing is clear: Pete Rose’s impact on baseball is undeniable, and his story serves as a complex reminder of the triumphs and tribulations of a true sports legend.