While his successful time with the Cincinnati Reds is still remembered with fondness, Pete Rose is a controversial figure in Major League Baseball. In 1989, his betting on baseball games led to a lifelong ban. The idea is that this prohibition will be revoked after his death, but many believe he should be able to visit Cooperstown, therefore this ban has also affected the Hall of Fame.
To that purpose, Ohio lawmakers are supporting a resolution that Bill Seitz and Tom Young are co-sponsoring, asking MLB commissioner Rob Manfred to abolish the restriction. Rose deserves the recognition, according to Setz (via the Cincinnati Enquirer): “There’s nobody better in the game in terms of talent.” Clearly.
“The wide belief down in Cincinnati is that they’ll probably put him in (the Hall of Fame) when he’s dead.”
Additionally, he claimed that the MLB’s affiliation with gambling websites made them appear “hypocritical,” a point that is hotly debated in the sports community each time a betting scandal breaks.
When Pete Rose talked about baseball wagering
Pete Rose’s gambling activities were ruinous for the Major League Baseball (MLB), regardless of whether he should be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Even while the league may have sponsorship relationships with casinos, the integrity of sports is threatened when players and coaches place bets on games, particularly when this could lead to match-fixing.
There was a demarcated boundary, and the MLB believed Pete Rose had crossed it. In 2003, Rose talked about his gambling with ABC, saying, “I placed bets on baseball in 1987 and 1988. It was my error for not disclosing more information much sooner.
“I think what happens is you’re at the time betting football and then, what’s after football is basketball… and obviously the next thing that follows is baseball,” he continued, describing how he came to bet on baseball. It’s just a habit that you developed.
“People have to understand I wish this would have never happened,” he stated. “But now that it’s occurred, I can’t undo it. And you’re simply hoping for another chance, sitting here in my shoes.”
Pete Rose may not have a second opportunity in the Major League Baseball, but it will be intriguing to watch whether he is inducted into Cooperstown.
