Will Mr. Charlie Hustle ever find his place in Cooperstown? Clearly, this debate refuses to fade. With 4,256 career hits over 3,562 games to his name, Pete Rose still cannot shake off the shadow of his gambling scandal. On the surface, Pete’s loyalists hold onto the hope of his induction as we inch closer to 2027, when Pete will be considered by Hall of Fame executives. However, beneath these sentiments lies a reality that doesn’t seem to be in Pete’s favor.
Not drawing any conclusions just yet; see for yourself what happened in December 2022. When the cases of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were reviewed by the Hall of Fame’s 16-person committee, they failed to receive more than 4 out of 12 required votes. Let’s not forget that these two icons didn’t commit a cardinal sin like Pete; they were suspects of using PEDs.
Both Bonds and Clemens have had impressive career histories. Bonds is also dubbed baseball’s home run king. On the other hand, Clemens is a seven-time Cy Young Award winner. Yet, they couldn’t meet the bar.
So, what are the odds of Pete Rose, who has committed the biggest sin of the sport – betting on it and lying for it for 15 years? Very thin odds, actually. MLB insider Bob Nightengale from USA Today revealed the Hall of Fame’s stance on Pete Rose.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be a long shot for his election. Chances are very thin that Hall of Fame executives, writers and historians of the committee will be forgiving Pete that easily. Nightengale weighed in on what’s really going to happen if Pete gets inducted in Cooperstown. If Pete makes it, they cannot keep players like Bonds, Clemens, A-Rod, and many others who were suspended for steroid use.
If the managers who bet can be forgiven, then why not these PED users? The Hall of Fame board instructs the committee to base their votes on “player’s record, abilities, integrity, sportsmanship and contribution to their respective teams”, it’s unlikely that Pete meets the “integrity” criteria.
Cooperstown’s stance is firm. They believe it’s enough that Pete’s story is already being told by the HOF museum with his 31 artifacts. They do acknowledge his legendary career, even without his induction.
Amidst Pete Rose’s HOF debate, controversial name emerged for his support
After the MLB commissioner lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose, the word around his Hall of Fame eligibility heated up. Divided opinions across the league emerged – some for his support, others against him.
One controversial figure backed up Pete Rose and he’s none other than John Rocker. In 1999, he saved a legitimate 38 games for the Atlanta Braves. Yet, he’s not recalled for his name these days but for remarks on several ethnic groups and communities. He later had to come out and apologise publicly but the backlash from the fans never stopped.
In fact, back in 2013, it came to light that Rocker used PEDs. That made yet another addition to his already controversial image.
Eventually he retired in 2003. Now, he’s opened up about Pete Rose’s hall of fame dilemma and taken it on X. He stated in his post, “PETE ROSE DESERVED TO SEE HIS NAME IN THE HALL OF FAME.” Yes, in caps.
Well, if Pete Rose gets inducted now, after all this while, Rocker’s comment is a reminder that another backlash might unravel for the fact that Pete should have been inducted to Cooperstown when he was alive.
There’s so much more to the whole case. Pete passed away in September 2024; however, his presence in the world of baseball isn’t ever going to die. Moreover, it’s great to see the ones stepping up to honor the legacy of the greatest hitters of all time.
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