For decades, Pete Rose’s legacy was split in two—on one side, the game’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 knocks. And on the other side, a man exiled from the sport he helped define. And now, eight months after his death, Major League Baseball has taken a big step towards healing this divide.
On Tuesday, Commissioner Rob Manfred officially removed Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson from the league’s permanent ineligible list. This move, although it doesn’t mean they get a guaranteed seat in the Hall of Fame. But for the first time in 34 years, it makes them eligible for consideration to get a chance to reach Cooperstown.
Manfred explained his stance: “Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. A lifetime ban that lasts even after death offers no additional deterrent.” And the news was even shared by Bob Nightengale.
Rob Manfred reinstates Pete Rose. He is now eligible for the Hall of Fame. Shoeless Joe Jackson too
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) May 13, 2025
Now, Pete Rose has been banned since 1989 for betting on Cincinnati Reds games while he was managing the team. He had denied these allegations at first, but later in his 2004 autobiography, he went on to admit it. In 1991, the Hall of Fame changed its rules to bar any player on MLB’s ineligible list from being considered for induction, and that closed the door on Cooperstown chances. It came to be known as “the Pete Rose rule.” But now that door is open again. And well, he even has Donald Trump to thank for this!
The post Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson Cleared for MLB Honor as Donald Trump-Rob Manfred Meeting Paves Way appeared first on EssentiallySports.