By Jim S

August 1, 2009 7:33 AM | Link to this

There is no doubt Pete has the credentials to be in the HOF. I grew up watching him and many others already in the HOF. But he broke the posted rule about gambling and took the 20 year path , yes shady and evasive at times we all know of dealing with it. Some of his stuff is in the HOF but do not give him the podium ever or a plaque with the others and legitimize his deeds on gambling. Put more of his stuff in there if you want with correct comments about all his actions good or bad but not his day at the podium for recognition. It is part of the history of the game but once we recognize him fully we have placed another baseball rule in the hands of the ” oh its ok mentality” and we cannot let that happen.

By Nat

July 31, 2009 12:09 PM | Link to this

Rose doesn’t care about the game, he only cares about himself. He’s not truly sorry for what he did, he only wants to feed his massive ego. No reinstatement!

By timb

July 31, 2009 10:23 AM | Link to this

OMG, blogcopwatcher and I agree on something (besides me being an a$$!). Nice to see you know something about something, BCW. Jack, name a pplayer banned for gambling who was re-instated. I’ll save the time, no one ever has. Gambling is verboten and it says so on the signs Pete Rose saw everyday he went to work for almost 30 years. Banned is banned and should stay that way

By CP

July 30, 2009 4:09 PM | Link to this

Joe, The answer is no since you obviously just made that rumor up. Nice try though!

By Joe

July 30, 2009 2:44 PM | Link to this

Is there any truth to the rumor that a few players have quit playing hard in an attempt to get rid of Baker and his staff?

By Jack

July 30, 2009 1:06 PM | Link to this

timb, the only problem with permanent ban is there is precedent for players to be reinstated after receiving such a ban. I dont know if Rose deserves to be reinstated (would like to see it), but “permanent” really means nothing.

By Blogcopwatcher

July 30, 2009 10:26 AM | Link to this

The Birther when talking about holding to a ‘higher standard’ must be referring to those glorious leaders of yesteryear, Cheney, Bush and their underling, Libby{or was it Liddy?}. Never fear, oh weirdo, they have already been nominated to join Pete, in the Hall Of Shame!

By timb

July 30, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Wow, even the nutty birthers love Rose! Shocking. Maybe if Pete could write two autobiographies he would be able to “hide every aspect of his past”? At any rate, I’m fine with Pete getting elected to the HOF on the day after he dies. It says permanent ban and for leniency’s sake, I think we could make it just a lifetime ban. Pete would be on QVC that very night selling memorabilia and gambling slips to out friend Log Cabin. The HOF doesn’t need Pete. Pete needs the HOF, however. Almoost as much as the Log Cabin guy needs a lobotomy

By Log Cabin John

July 30, 2009 8:46 AM | Link to this

We elect a leader of the free world who cannot produce a birth certificate, who takes great pains to hide each detail of his past, yet without any solid evidence that he is worthy of such universal admiration, the libs and media sycophants would have us believe he’s already earned the fifth spot on Mount Rushmore! And then there’s Peter Edward Rose, an obviously flawed man whose baseball accomplishments are indisputable, but is nonetheless held to a higher standard of behavior than each of our so-called leaders. What a dichotomous situation!

By MB

July 30, 2009 8:42 AM | Link to this

My memory is that MLB changed the rule about voting a player into the HOF who had been banned to specifically block Pete from being voted in, put me in the category that Pete belongs in the HOF; all MLB fans are painfully aware of his transgressions - but Pete’s playing career remains the quintessential “how-to-play-the-game example to all young aspiring players…

By Wayne English

July 29, 2009 9:56 PM | Link to this

It’s the baseball HOF, not the morality HOF

By Kyle

July 29, 2009 9:35 PM | Link to this

Jock, that’s your big move, a .213 hitting outfielder with average speed who has only hit 4 homeruns in 56 games? Greaaaaat. Ohhh. That outta set the baseball world on its ear.

By Ann

July 29, 2009 8:47 PM | Link to this

I remember taking my young son to see Pete Rose sign autographs in the 70’s. I stood and observed him. Our family had loved him as a player but after that I saw Pete as an egotist and not a nice person. Now he is still a liar, cheater and continues to be arrogant. No, people like this who have no integrity are bad for the game of baseball and shouldn’t be allowed to be reinstated. It’s a sick society we live in when we excuse cheaters and liars. I have yet to see any signs of remorse from Pete and he continues to be self-consumed.

By B

July 29, 2009 7:31 PM | Link to this

There is a big sign on the door of every clubhouse. The sign doesn’t say anything about any subject except gambling. If Pete ignored that sign (or maybe couldn’t read it), that’s his problem. On top of the fact he lied for all those years about it. He is an addict, he will say anything he can to satisfy his craving. I would have no problem if Pete was allowed to be eligible for the Hall, but Shoeless Joe and the other players on the list should be removed from it as well.

By Mark

July 29, 2009 7:01 PM | Link to this

I’m a huge fan of Pete Rose…but he does not belong in the HOF…no way..no how. Pete inspired me when I was young to play hard and believe in myself…but no HOF for Pete…sorry there are consequences for breaking the rules.

By bsvr

July 29, 2009 6:11 PM | Link to this

I have always been a huge Pete Rose fan. Loved his style, his passion and the way he played to win. His years with Reds were unforgetable. I don’t think he belongs in the Hall of Fame. The day any pro sport shows the slightest leniency toward betting or bettors, they lose the confidence of their fans. Sorry Pete, you will always be a hero to many and you were a great player but no Hall for you.

By Kyle

July 29, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this

Many of you just don’t get it. Pete didn’t break a rule. He didn’t break a law. He broke THE rule. He won’t get in and probably shouldn’t. But consider this; Does enshrinement in the HOF change anything? No. He still has all those stats and records. In or out doesn’t change that.

By RC

July 29, 2009 5:15 PM | Link to this

124 posts before this one (unless somebody else slides one in while I’m typing)… apparently some folks still care.

By Pat

July 29, 2009 4:45 PM | Link to this

Pete set up his own card shop two blocks from the enshrinement hall in Cooperstown. That ‘in-your-face and up yours’ approach tells you all you need to know about ‘ol Pete. Tell the truth: Does anybody really care about the activity formally know as Major League Baseball? It is dead, rotten and stinking, and is no more compelling than ann OSU-Michigan football game.

By Big Daddy

July 29, 2009 4:43 PM | Link to this

People comparing Rose to Vick aren’t smart enough to know how dumb they sound.

By Steve

July 29, 2009 4:18 PM | Link to this

Career Statistics Games At Bats Runs Hits 2b 3b HR RBI BB SO AVG 3562 14053 2165 4256* 746 135 160 1314 1566 1143 .303 Career Records *All-time Major League record for most career hits - 4,256 All-time Major League record for most games played - 3,562 All-time Major League record for most at bats - 14,053 All-time Major League record for most singles - 3,315 All-time Major League record for most total bases by a switch hitter - 5,752 All-time Major League record for most seasons of 200 or more hits - 10 All-time Major League record for most consecutive seasons of 100 or more hits - 23 All-time Major League record for most seasons of 600 or more at bats - 17 All-time Major League record for most seasons of 150 or more games - 17 All-time Major League record for most seasons of 100 or more games - 23 Only player in Major League history to play more than 500 games at five different positions 1st Base - 939 2nd Base - 628 3rd Base - 634 Left Field - 671 Right Field - 595 Major League record for playing most winning games - 1,972 All-time National League record for most years played - 24 All-time National League record for most consecutive years played - 24 All-time National League record for most career runs - 2,165 All-time National League record for most career doubles - 746 All-time National League record for most games 5 or more hits - 10 Modern National League record for longest consecutive game hitting streak - 44 (June 14 - July 31, 1978) Modern National League record for most consecutive game hitting streaks of 20 or more games - 7

By Steve

July 29, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Some how I feel Hal enjoyed writing this article.

By Jon

July 29, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

While there can be no doubt that Rose has the numbers to be in the Hall of Fame; he simply doesn’t belong there. He knew the rules against gambling and still placed bets on the Reds team he was managing. Rose is an admitted lifetime gambler, my question is: Did Rose all of a sudden at the time he became manager first bet on baseball or did he also place bets when he was a full-time player? Either way, simply put Rose knew the rules and he broke the rules of the game. So, the only way I see him making the hall of fame is after he dies (and even then I doubt it).

By Steve

July 29, 2009 3:49 PM | Link to this

If you steal apples your in the Hall of Fame. If you steal oranges your not !

By Steve

July 29, 2009 3:48 PM | Link to this

If you steal apples your in the Hall of Fame. If you steal oranges…your not !

By RC

July 29, 2009 3:47 PM | Link to this

A) Not that it has anything to do with the price of beer, but Mike Vick should not have been reinstated. Bad, bada idea. B) Baseball is hypersensitive to gambling involvement because they’ve been through it before. Yes, it was 90 years ago, but it left a mark. As well it should have. The NFL apparently has yet to take that lesson to heart - here’s hoping they don’t learn it the hard way.

By Sharon-Villian

July 29, 2009 3:44 PM | Link to this

Pete Rose should be sliding headfirst into the hall of fame. But I don’t expect Selig to relent on the lifetime ban. Someday, after Pete moves on to the great Baseball diamond in the sky and the “lifetime” ban has expired, I hope baseball will reinstate him and the veteran’s committee will recognize Pete’s achievements by voting him into the hall.

By Sharon-Villian

July 29, 2009 3:43 PM | Link to this

Pete Rose should be sliding headfirst into the hall of fame. But I don’t expect Selig to relent on the lifetime ban. Someday, after Pete moves on to the great Baseball diamond in the sky and the “lifetime” ban has expired, I hope baseball will reinstate him and the veteran’s committee will recognize Pete’s achievements and vote him into the hall.

By fan_from_afar

July 29, 2009 3:29 PM | Link to this

The poster “Amazed” has it right… Mike Vick can come back and play in the NFL, but Rose is out of baseball for life??? Even if you believe that the deeds done by both men are somehow even close to comparable, how can anyone justify the reinstatement of one and not the other?

By Chuck

July 29, 2009 3:28 PM | Link to this

Hal - You’ve been wrong about many things over the years. I’ll throw this one on the pile. Rose will go to the HOF within 5 years.

By Jeff from NC

July 29, 2009 3:23 PM | Link to this

Who’s done more damage to baseball, Pete or Bud? How many years did Bud know about steroids and chose to ignore it? Bud is the worst!

By dude

July 29, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

HAL, YOUR PREJUDICAL VIEWS AND HATRED FOR PETE ROSE NEVER ENDS DOES IT?! STILL JEALOUS I SEE. WELL I LIKE MANY OTHERS FEEL HE HAS BEEN PUNISHED LONG ENOUGH . GET OVER IT ,MLB!!HE DID WRONG ,SERVED HIS TIME NOW GIVE THE MAN HIS DUE. DAMNIT ALREADY

By Terry

July 29, 2009 3:19 PM | Link to this

He should be eligible for the HOF ballot but should be banned from MLB for life.

By Cris

July 29, 2009 2:34 PM | Link to this

Pete’s already in the HOF by virtue of caps,cleats,bats etc. The only thing is he hasn’t had an induction ceremony and a plaque. IF that day ever comes Cooperstown and the ceremony will be nothing but but RED!!

By Steve

July 29, 2009 2:23 PM | Link to this

Let’s think back to when it initially came out that Pete was under suspicion. Had he met with the commissioner and taken a one year suspicion for association with known gamblers similar to what happened to Durocher, Hornug, and Karras he probably would have been out for a year and then back managing the following year. It’s very hard to have sympathy for he who adamantly denied the truth for 15 years when he knew he was lying.

By Fact

July 29, 2009 2:22 PM | Link to this

One Name…. Darryl Strawberry… how many more chances ? celebrate the player… not the man…he’s a Huge A$$hole but the best player to walk on the field

By Justin

July 29, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Gambling and steroids are not apples and oranges, Hal. It comes down to what effect each has on the sanctity of the game. My view is that doping affects the outcome of a particular game (and one’s stats) more than a manager who bets his team to win ever has.

By Scott

July 29, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

Big B stole my thunder. How many of those athletes who get in trouble with the law receive 2nd chances, yet Pete is not allowed into the Hall? Put him in the Hall so we can celebrate his career, and watch his # get retired in Cincy. Don’t let him be a coach, manager, or executive in baseball.

By Big B

July 29, 2009 1:26 PM | Link to this

I know you say it is apples and oranges when compairing the two, but illegal drugs are illegal everywhere, and gambling is legal virtually everywhere, wether it be state lotteries, horse tracks, or bingo in the church basements. It seems to me we are telling our kids, if you parents are playing bingo or the lotttery, they are bad people, but if you cheat or beat on your wife, that it is OK. He needs to be re-instated, but should not be permitted to be involved in any baseball teams operations. He would be one of the best ambassadors baseball has ever had.

By jim

July 29, 2009 1:18 PM | Link to this

for christs sake give rose a break. he has done more for baseball than any of the hall of famers. he paid his dues and selig should resign or retire.

By Steve F

July 29, 2009 12:58 PM | Link to this

Pete probably gets more press than anyone IN the Hall of Fame. His playing style and stats are always being talked about. Everyone knows he belongs so maybe the ban is a plus for Pete.

By Tom

July 29, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this

This story is so old and worn out that it is tough to comment on, again. Yes, Pete should be in the HOF based on his playing record.

By Shiny Kefka

July 29, 2009 11:46 AM | Link to this

Pete Rose deserves to be in the baseball hall of fame based off his baseball numbers and not his characteristics as a human being. Bert Blyleven and Andre Dawson should also be in the hall of fame. Baseball is a game all about numbers but the guys with the numbers aren’t getting their fair shake, and their is no integrity in baseball until they are.

By Jim

July 29, 2009 11:45 AM | Link to this

Hal, I love ya and usually agree with you most of the time, but not on the steroid comparison. IMO, the steroid abusers damaged the game much more than Pete betting on the Reds to WIN. What Pete did, while wrong and rightly punishable, had no impact on the outcome of games. Every player who used steroids had an artificial impact on every game they played in. IMO, steroid users deserve the lifetime ban. Pete payed his dues and deserves at least reinstatement to be Hall eligible.

By Amazed

July 29, 2009 11:41 AM | Link to this

First of all, I don’t agree with what Pete Rose did. Second of all, how can the NFL reinstate Micheal Vick but MLB won’t reinstate Pete Rose. Interesting….all very interesting to me.

By Jeff

July 29, 2009 11:19 AM | Link to this

Pete is a federal felon, a tax cheat, a liar, and broke the cardinal rule of baseball. We know that players were using anabolic steroids and other chemical means in an attempt to enhance performance. I wonder if his career was extended by such drug use. Judging by his character, it would not surprise me if he did. He got what he deserved, a permanent ban from baseball.

By David

July 29, 2009 11:17 AM | Link to this

Too bad.

By Ron M

July 29, 2009 11:09 AM | Link to this

Bud Selig is destroying baseball. He is the worst commissioner that any sport has ever had, and that is saying a lot considering Giamatti and Vincent. He is incapable of making a decision on the DH. He does not make a simple realignment of moving Houston from NL Central to AL East to equal out the leagues and divisions. He has not been able to deal with the players union, salary caps(driving away fans because of ticket prices), and the performance enhancing drug issue. Because his inability to deal with these issues is causing a decline in interest and true fan support, I know of no one that gambled or became a gambler on baseball because Pete Rose did it, but because of Pete’s style of hustle he inspired thousands of young players to hustle and play hard Pete belongs in the Hall of Fame.

By steve in florence ky

July 29, 2009 11:08 AM | Link to this

He can’t be allowed to hold a position with a team … mgr. or front office etc but he should be made eligible for hof consideration. If they decide to honor him after his death, I think if were him, I would leave word to my family to not recognize the honor at that point. I’d tell baseball to kma.

By Jack

July 29, 2009 11:00 AM | Link to this

The Hall of Fame is filled with liars, cheaters, gamblers, drug addicts, and racists…I think there is room for one more. 20 years is long enough.

By 14Tattoo

July 29, 2009 10:34 AM | Link to this

“Banned for life” hasn’t meant “Banned for life” in many cases in MLB. But it does seem that drug offenses are taken a lot less serioulsy by the establishment. Steve Howe is the perfect example. Ferguson Jenkins is another. Stienbrenner, Mantle and Mays were also banned for life, just for hanging out with gamblers. Pete’s done his time. He couldn’t get a coaching job or even a scouting job at this point in his career, so the discusion about him getting an actual baseball position is probably mute. Just let the guy in the HOF. He’s a storied part of the game and it’s a shame to leave that chapter out of the book.

By KDE

July 29, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

He is a legend no matter what he is allowed to do. What about Vick? What good is he to the sports program? What Pete done was wrong, what about some others that committed crimes that appeared in court?

By tess

July 29, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

As a player, Pete should be in the hall of fame.As a player, he earned it. That should be his last connection with baseball.Mr. Selig and his personel vendetta against against Pete should be retired. Bring some new blood into the game, breath it back to life.Get rid of the double standard way of thinking. If players charged with drug/alcohol abuse can be considered a candidate for the hall of fame, then gamblers shouldn’t be excluded. Isn’t there a rule in the contract the players sign that says alcohol/drug abuse will not be tolerated? Keep all of your vices together - none of them should be excluded over the others. Baseball is America’s game Mr. Selig - let America decide Pete’s Hall of Fame fate.

By John

July 29, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Hal, get over it! Rose is a jerk but so was Cobb, Ruth, Schmidt and others. Rose’s issues occurred as a manager not a player. Let him have his official place in the HOF as a player. There were displays in the hall with the big red machine being featured and number 14 is displayed in all of them. This does seem hypocritical to me.

By Byron

July 29, 2009 9:47 AM | Link to this

To not have the all-time hits leader enshrined in the Hall is ridiculous. He has paid his penance by being banished from the game he loves for 20 years. Michael Vick committed a felony and has been giving a second chance—almost immediately. Baseball needs to take a marketing lesson from the NFL and bring their rules in line with the 21st century.

By ray

July 29, 2009 9:46 AM | Link to this

You can always tell Hall of Fame weekend in Ohio. Pete is mouthing about how he has been abused. He could do the rest of baseball a great service by just going away.

By mm

July 29, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

What does Bud Selig know about baseball anyway? I mean he is an ex-used car salesman.Can you tell me how a car salesman becomes the commissioner of baseball? I have no respect for his decisions because this pencil neck Wiesel has probably never did anything athletic in his life.

By Nick W

July 29, 2009 9:40 AM | Link to this

Pete will get in the hof after he dies and thats a shame. He was a great baseball player and and gave more effort on the field then any1 then and now. If anything at least let him join the reds hof. Let this city celebrate him. Can you imagine how crazy that ceremony would be if he was aloud to join the reds hof. I went to the game where they celebrated the 25th anniversity of the ‘75 team and seeing larkin, i believe, run out and put a rose on thrid base and seeing all the people throwing roses on the field was awesome. I dont think it will happen but i would pay good money to go see that if it did..

By Decker

July 29, 2009 9:27 AM | Link to this

Rose does not deserve entrance to the Hall, certainly not before Shoeless Joe. There was a simple rule, and Pete knowingly broke it again and again. Then he lied again and again. Finally, he tried to cash in on a weak admission. And for all the Rose fans who whine that drug users and reprobates are in the Hall - do you think Pete is the patron saint of baseball? Dude was putting money before everything, cheating on his wife, popping pills and lord knows what else. Sure he wasn’t lowdown scum like Cobb, but that’s not much of an accomplishment.

By just the facts

July 29, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Reds outfield of Dickerson, Tavaras, Bruce 21HR. The big Donkey 26HR. I believe I said Dunner would hit more then these clowns by himself. I believe this is the worst offensive team Ive ever seen in Cincy. How could Baker win with this team. He has no change. I believe the Reds have good coaches. Jocketty will do something and fire everyone of them or liar Bob will saying we are not going to lose anymore. Its not the coaching staff. Its the players or the lack of Jockface

By flipper

July 29, 2009 9:12 AM | Link to this

Pete will not be voted into the Hall of Fame until after his death. As much as everyone wants it, not happening. Major League Baseball will forgive drugies, steroid users, sex perverts and alcoholics but not betting on baseball games. Sorry Pete, you will be there someday.

By ironmyke

July 29, 2009 9:11 AM | Link to this

Hal, thanks for the insight. For many years I was of the opinion that Rose should be admitted into Cooperstown on the basis of his hall of fame playing career. After enduring his pleas of innocence for many years, I changed my opinion when his book came out admitting to the charges. I no longer care whether he’s is in or out but have just gotten tired of his act and would like it if he just went away.

By just the facts

July 29, 2009 8:51 AM | Link to this

Scott Rolen a overpaid aging ex cardinal is what Jockface wants. The guy stays hurt and is history. I know most want EE gone but Edwin is 25 and cheaper and could be around for many years. Jockface we do not need Cardinal rejects. The guy will not help this team. He is TOO OLD. You got fired in St Louis for being stupid. hey like I said all year it would be a battle with the Bucs again this year. It will be the same next year guys. Its always going to be St Louis as the king of the Central division

By Roscoe2u

July 29, 2009 8:41 AM | Link to this

Selig is a JOKE and the main reason I don’t follow Baseball much anymore. To keep Rose out of Baseball while allowing known and addmitted CHEATERS to continue to play is hypocritical and ludacrous.He’s helld on to the Secret Doping test results for years, and now that they are starting to leak out he’s in a panick. Rose is more important to the game of Baseball than Selig will ever be………

By rick

July 29, 2009 8:39 AM | Link to this

If the MLB rule is lifetime ban then, no he should not be reinstated. If there is no rule then punishment has been served, let him in.

By kh

July 29, 2009 8:29 AM | Link to this

His playing days should be seperate from his managing days.Pretty simple.

By dan

July 29, 2009 8:28 AM | Link to this

OF COURSE NOT,HE IS WHITE!!!!!!!

By Barry

July 29, 2009 8:14 AM | Link to this

Hal is correct. I had already heard this long ago that Rose will never be reinstated for as long as Selig is Commissioner. I as much if not more than others hate the slap on the wrist that the ‘roid users have gotten as well as the cocaine players of the 80’s who are all still eligible for the Hall, but again Hal is correct it is not the same thing. there were no rules against using steroids for years where gambling on baseball was a well established lifetime ban offense long before Rose ever stepped foot on the field. I agree with those who say what he did on the field should put him in the hall, but it doesn’t matter it’s not up to me or those of us on this board, it is up to the commissioner and until he decides otherwise Pete Rose is not eligible. Oh and for the record Shoeless Joe Jackson while most feel he did not have any part of throwing of the World Series still took the money and banned for life and is still not in the hall of fame. That was almost 90 years ago and he has been dead a long time, so by that Rose may never be reinstated not even after he dies.

By Mike-Cinci

July 29, 2009 7:41 AM | Link to this

The rule posted in every clubhouse for years is a player can not bet on baseball. Pete bet on baseball as a player/manager and lied about it for years. He accepted the ban. When you go to Cooperstown you will see hundreds of Rose mentions and memoribilia in the museum. What you won’t see is a Hall of Fame plaque on the wall. He is not in the HOF because of what he knowingly did. No one else but Pete is to blame.

By Randy

July 29, 2009 6:56 AM | Link to this

In this day and age; does anyone really CARE???

By dipper

July 29, 2009 6:32 AM | Link to this

Rose should not be in the hall of fame. His results like the Chicago “Black Sox” will always speak for themselves. I loved the Big Red machine and miss the nostalgic of what that era provided. The one thing remains. He bet on Baseball which nearly destroyed the game had it not been for Judge Landis. No player in the history of the game has ever knowingly been allowed to be in the hall who bet on the game. Rose unlike “Shoeless” Joe Jackson knew ahead of time what would happen. Bud Selig is not my favorite but on this issue I agree with him.

By Andy

July 29, 2009 5:11 AM | Link to this

God forgives. Bud Selig does not.

By Jammin

July 29, 2009 5:00 AM | Link to this

HOF induction is no longer only #’s driven-they have decided to add the “integrity” Piece. That equals no Pete.

By Jammin

July 29, 2009 5:00 AM | Link to this

HOF induction is no longer only #’s driven-they have decided to add the “integrity” Piece. That equals no Pete.

By HavaKlu

July 29, 2009 4:45 AM | Link to this

Hey Hal—-your bloggers do not share your sentiments. My unofficial count shows bloggers thinking Pete should be in HOF 3-1 over those who don’t.

By tim

July 29, 2009 4:42 AM | Link to this

Hi Hal, I was initially excited when I heard the news that there might be the possibility of Pete Rose’s re-instatatement, but it was for purely selfish reasons. I grew up idolizing him as a player and would like to attend his enshrinement ceremony, especially with all the other Reds players of that era in attendance. However, upon reflection, I admire Bud Selig’s principled stand on this issue. It has always been made clear to MLB players that betting on baseball would lead to a lifetime ban, so why should Pete be an exception? They’ve not re-instated Shoeless Joe Jackson, despite much stronger evidence that he deserved it.

By James

July 29, 2009 3:03 AM | Link to this

Pete Rose is 1 of maybe 10 people who DESERVE to be in the hall of fame. It’s like you have a bunch of saints in there right now anyway. I lot of the people in the hall of fame cheated on their wives, were drunks, gamblers, etc. So let’s get over ourselves shall we? Put Pete Rose in the hall of fame!

By Time Bandit

July 29, 2009 2:43 AM | Link to this

Have any of you guys seen Selig in front of the camera?,he looks like he does not have a clue about anything,he looks confused,just like his term as Commish..,dazed and confused.He let ‘roids ruin baseball,while he looked away.I will ask this?,if this Rose thing went on during his time in office,would his stance on Rose be different?

By Big Daddy

July 29, 2009 12:19 AM | Link to this

Hey Brar, the home field used to alternate years. Nobody complained about that. That is more ridiculous than the all star game rule.

By BrarHopper

July 29, 2009 12:03 AM | Link to this

Bud “The Joke” Selig is the worst commissioner of my 61 year lifetime. He’s a shill for the owners and is not a true commish. He’s a dirt bag scum bucket toady and corporate sycophant. Anyone who says the World Series should give home field advantage to the winner of a showcase event like the All Star Game (which also has gone to sucking) deserves NO respect. Selig is a bum. Rose should be in HOF based on his baseball career and kept OUT of baseball’s hallowed, non-corrupt and oh-so sacred corporate-owned-monopoly-for-the-rich major leagues.

By Ann

July 28, 2009 11:35 PM | Link to this

I think he has hurt the game by being so scummy with the paid autographs and the loitering in Cooperstown during HOF weekends. Keep him out. the game is better off without him.

By Pat Dolwick

July 28, 2009 11:31 PM | Link to this

Been a Reds fan for 40 years and loved the Machine days, but I don’t see how it’s “holier than thou” for MLB to follow through on a stated consequence (permanent banishment) of an action (betting on baseball). To me, the rest of it: Selig, steroids, Rose’s accomplishments are all (sadly) irrelevant. Just one opinion, but selective enforcement of rules doesn’t seem like a sound approach.

By Big Daddy

July 28, 2009 11:19 PM | Link to this

Great points Rich. Good luck getting these people with Pete Rose’s intelligence to agree.

By Rich

July 28, 2009 11:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t think Selig should reinstate Rose’s eligibility for election to the baseball hall of fame. He bet on baseball games in which his team was participating. We will never know whether he did things as a player or as a manager which impacted the final result of those games. His stats have no bearing on the issue.

By Preacher Roe

July 28, 2009 10:59 PM | Link to this

I wish there was an easy way to decide this. It appears that it already was decided. I do find it sad, that all those who live in ‘glass houses’, have delivered such a holier-than-thou diatribe, about proper punishment for one of their own flawed species. It sort of reminds one of the prior election campaign, when FAMILY VALUES and honorable character, were claimed to be the sole possession of the republican party!How did that turn out for you? How hilarious for sinners to sit in judgment of another sinner! If that’s the way it is going to be determined, then asterisk those steroid users who messed with the INTEGRITY of the game, in replacing my childhood hero’s-Willy,Frank and the Babe! Get them outa here, also.

By LA

July 28, 2009 10:58 PM | Link to this

If the criteria for being in the Hall Of Fame are a player’s accomplishments, how could Rose not qualify? Of all the thousands and thousands of players in the history of the game who were superb enough players to play in the Major Leagues, none have ever got as many hits as Rose. He is his own worst enemy with his arrogance, so he will probably never be allowed back in baseball, but it defies logic to say he doesn’t belong in the Hall Of Fame.

By Jere

July 28, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this

Rose agreed to a life time ban FROM Baseball…not from the HOF…let him be eligible for HOF but don’t let him ever manage again

By doug t

July 28, 2009 10:30 PM | Link to this

He agreed to be banned for life and he should be banned for life. After his death, then put him in the hall of fame for the remarkable career he had as a player. Also let his plaque show his gambling issues and the resulting ban for life. He in no way should ever get the satisfaction of being around the game, or receive the ego boost he seems to crave by being allowed to get in the hall of fame while he is alive.

By charles j. gordon

July 28, 2009 10:26 PM | Link to this

apples and oranges. so are you saying its ok too pump dope then hit home runs. sorry fruity your an idiot……….;)

By LOOP

July 28, 2009 10:01 PM | Link to this

I think Pete has every right to be in the HOF for his accomplishments ON the field. Unfortunatly, Pete Rose is not any any way shape or form a likeable person. He has constantly shot himself and his cause in the foot by running his big egotistical mouth. I think if he had showed some humility and manned up to begin with that he would be reinstated. You get two blow hards like Selig and Rose and the blowhard with the most power is going to win which is Selig for the time being.

By bob

July 28, 2009 9:27 PM | Link to this

How can you not compare the steroid issue to Pete Rose’s gambling issue? In my eyes its the same thing. The life time ban for betting was put in place to keep players from throwing games and therefore throwing into question the integrity of the game. The steroid issue is the same problem. Now, due to the cheaters who used steroids, no one knows what record is legitimate or not, i.e. throwing into question the integrity of the game for personal gain. I don’t know how Bud can seriously not put in place a lifetime ban for steroid users. He lacks the testicular fortitude to take on the union on this issue. Oh well, how am i. Just your average baseball. At least i was.

By nyc

July 28, 2009 9:26 PM | Link to this

and by the way…pete agreed with the life-time ban…so cased closed

By nyc

July 28, 2009 9:24 PM | Link to this

pete is a loser…last i heard..he was selling used lottery tickets and “scratched” scratch-offs..to raise money to play the ohio lottery…hall of shame…thats the only hall he will ever see….

By The Goose from Greenville

July 28, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this

First of all, Bud Selig is an idiot. When he is no longer the commissioner, just the reinstatement of pete rose will be the tip of the iceberg of how the new commissioner will improve the game over the current moron. Second, Baseball’s stance of breaking the rules show how important winning truly is. Use steriods that may help improve your chances of performing better which could result in a win. Suspension over a short period of time. Be involved in gambling activity that may cause you to perform is such a way to lose games - life time banishment. Keep up the good work Buddy Boy!!!

By Jabber

July 28, 2009 9:00 PM | Link to this

Every baseball contract states you will not bet on baseball. It is to be signed. The rule is posted in the clubhouses. It goes to the integrity of the game. Some rules are in cement. This is one. Rose should not be in the hall of fame or in baseball.

By goredlegs

July 28, 2009 8:50 PM | Link to this

Who cares what Pete is like as a person? The point is that he was a great baseball player and should be recognized for it.

By Jim in NB, CA

July 28, 2009 8:42 PM | Link to this

It is laughable that Pete Rose’s case rests with Bud Selig - the same Bud Selig who knew and looked away as Bonds, McGuire, and Sosa made a mockery of the records of Babe Ruth and Roger Maris. Pete Rose was the most compelling and watchable player in MLB during the late 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. You pardon him and let his player record be determined by the veterans committee. He3 will be voted in based on his record as a player. And by the way, Bart Giamatti smoked three packs of cigarettes a day. Think that had anything to do with his early and untimely death?

By Reds Fan

July 28, 2009 8:32 PM | Link to this

Enough time has passed on this issue. Reinstate Rose..

By RC

July 28, 2009 8:16 PM | Link to this

I am in the category who thinks Pete should have his place in the HOF, but should never be reinstated to the game. Players gambling on their game is potentially the death of pro sports. Look, like it or not, the guys who used steroids were looking for a competitive advantage - they were trying to win. But let the fans get the impression that balls are being dropped or pitches are being grooved or swings missed ON PURPOSE, and the game is over. It’s a terminal cancer. Yes, gambling is WAY worse than steroids for the game, and zero tolerance is absolutely called for, IMO.

By Mark in Sun Valley

July 28, 2009 8:01 PM | Link to this

BTW Hal, I have a friend who worked for the Seligs in Milwaukee for years and still knows Bud. He told me exactly what you suspect. Selig will NEVER allow Pete to be reinstated in any way as long as he is commissioner. In fact, he told me Bud virtually blames Rose for Bart Giamatti’s death.

By Exiled in Texas

July 28, 2009 8:00 PM | Link to this

I’ve always thought that while MLB (or any other professional sport, for that matter) can determine who can participate and who cannot. As much I love #14 as a player and coach, he broke that rule. But I think it is beyond any sport to think of itself so self-righteously that it can deny recognition for on-the-field accomplishments earned fairly and squarely. Allow recognition in all forms, but not a field or front office job.

By Mark in Sun Valley

July 28, 2009 7:56 PM | Link to this

The difference between Rose and Vick is they both broke the law, but in Pete’s case, it was also “Baseball Law” he broke. Every baseball contract specifies you will not bet on baseball. It’s posted in the clubhouses. It’s not just a question of legality, morals and ethics, but the integrity of the game. Pete should never be allowed in a place where he could even have a hint of the ability to affect the outcome of a game. That said, what he did on the field was not artifically enhanced, not the result of a wager, but purely him, his ability and his determination. Those accomplishments should be honored. Put him in the Hall, let him toss out a first pitch or two and wave to the cameras at the World Series. Market him. Just keep him out of the rooms where game changing decisions can be made.

By silveerquill

July 28, 2009 7:54 PM | Link to this

To Rosefan: Get your facts straight. Bud Selig hasn’t owned a team in 10 years. And his daughter no longer owns it, either. If you are going to post on this blog, at least know what the hell you are talking about while you mix in some punctuation and grammar. To Retired Sare: There is NO evidence he didn’t bet on the Reds to lose, either. When he didn’t bet on the Reds to win and didn’t make any bets at all, he was telling the bookies he didn’t think the Reds would win and thus influencing the gamblers.

By Jimmy1Time

July 28, 2009 7:42 PM | Link to this

So we can let an idiot like Manny back in the game, yet not PETE? When I look at MAnny I bet my 13 year old Dog Cosmo has a higher I.Q.!!! Also Dusty its time to start getting out there sooner to protect Joey!!! Instead of babysitting Jr. and Weathers kid. Lets start taking baseball more serious and keep the kids out of the dugout!!! PERIOD!!!

By its outta here

July 28, 2009 7:41 PM | Link to this

The main reason selig won’t reinstate pete is obvious.if pete manages the reds they will be serious contenders.and baseball might be worth watching again.these managers nowdays make me sick.

By johnswt

July 28, 2009 7:40 PM | Link to this

Pete is the BEST!! He belongs in the Hall Of Fame. PERIOD!!

By Big Willy

July 28, 2009 7:29 PM | Link to this

Being banned from baseball is totally separate from not being allowed on the Hall of Fame ballot. When Pete was banned from baseball he was still eligible for the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame changed its rules a coulpe years later to exclude him from the ballot. Tha was BS. He should still be banned from baseball (not allowed to manage) but should be eligible for the Hall of Fame.

By Greeny

July 28, 2009 7:24 PM | Link to this

As much as it pains me to say, Pete does not belong in baseball or the HOF. The betting rule is posted on every clubhouse door, he knew he would get a lifetime ban if caught, he did it anyways. I grew up in the 60’s and 70’s and was a huge Reds fan, Pete played the game like it should be played and my hats off to him for that. I don’t think baseball could send a worse message than letting him back in, maybe the next guy will think twice if he is tempted to bet on games.

By rj

July 28, 2009 7:23 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t surprise me that the All Moral Hall of Fame Writer of All Things Baseball doesn’t think Rose will be reinstated. The Reds need Rose now more than ever. Stay home, Hal. You can start keeping stats on the shootings in Dayton. “Ladies and gentlemen…welcome back to Cincinnati…#14 Pete Rose!” The place will drown out the McCoys and the AllMoral Baseball Writers and Pinhead Veteran’s Group.

By Pistol Pete

July 28, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this

Tell me this, How credible is the HOF when you dont have the all-time hit leader there. Bud Selig is an A*S always has been and always will be. Baseball hasnt has a good commish since Peter Uberoth.

By MisterRedLegs

July 28, 2009 7:14 PM | Link to this

My friends Mickey Mantle and the GREAT Willie Mays were banned and later reinstated, the same will happen to Pete when baseball gets a new Commisioner.

By Kathy

July 28, 2009 7:11 PM | Link to this

I don’t like Pete Rose and thought before yesterday that he should be banned for life…BUT Michael Vick was allowed to be reinstated back into the NFL after what I think is a lot worse than betting on baseball. I can’t believe the baseball commissioner, he is as stupid as the football one.

By StuttgartTim

July 28, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

ELIGIBLE for HOF? Yes! Whether or not they vote him in is another matter. Eligible to be hired for any on-field position? Hell no! He bet on baseball and lied about it. Then he lied about betting on the Reds. Once you are obligated to a bookie, ANYTHING is possible. SO he only bet for the Reds to win. When he did not bet then it was obvious he didn’t think they would win. He was a helluva baseball player, and I’m sorry he was also an idiot.

By Kathy

July 28, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

I don’t like Pete Rose and thought before yesterday that he should be banned for life…BUT Michael Vick was allowed to be reinstated back into the NFL after what I think is a lot worse than betting on baseball. I can’t believe the baseball commissioner, he is as stupid as the football one.

By For the record

July 28, 2009 7:10 PM | Link to this

Bet on baseball - banned for life …….. Take illegal drugs now - banned for 50 games What’s the problem? These are the rules, the players know them - Rose knew them, Manny knew them … they did it anyway and got caught … and then got punished based on baseball’s rules. You can argue all day whether or not the respective penalties are fair or not - but these were/are the rules when the players got caught so sentencing for each was fair or at least equal to what the punishment that had already been established.

By Pistol Pete

July 28, 2009 7:09 PM | Link to this

Silver quill and big daddy, You guys have no clue what Pete Rose means to baseball. Granted what he did as a manager was wrong the fact of the matter is what he done as a player is something that needs to be honored in Cooperstown. Rose played the game the way it should have been played. Some of the Reds could take a page out of his book today. He bet on baseball, a cardinal sin. He has paid his debt to society. Pete Rose the player deserves to be inducted into the HOF. Pete the manager is another story.

By FreedomWriter

July 28, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this

Like i said. Just read the posting just below mine and you`ll see a real fine example of stupidity in the making..

By FreedomWriter

July 28, 2009 6:57 PM | Link to this

Bud Selig is an idiot just like most of you that posted your stupid comments in here. Of course he should be reinstated. With as much that goes on in todays baseball, it makes what Rose did seem like Childs play. To deny him the HOF sounds like nothing shy of pettyness to most people. Hey Bud, grow up and grow a pair their pal. If it were up to me you`d be on your way to the retirement home. You are a arrogant self centered loser BUD!

By painfultruth

July 28, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this

Pete just proved he was nothing more than yet ANOTHER dumb jock. He knew gambling was prohibited, and later ADMITTED gambling. Nope, keep him out for the rest of his life.

By Rich

July 28, 2009 6:50 PM | Link to this

Friends: Yes, Pete belongs in the Hall of Fame as a player. Remember, the Hall is a baseball museum of accomplishment, not a church confessional!

By Big Daddy

July 28, 2009 6:47 PM | Link to this

Hal, you tried to warn them not to make the comparison with steriods but they just aren’t smart enough. You people don’t understand how much damage could be done to a sport by gamblers. He is banned for good reason. He agreed to it and hopefully is banned forever.

By Gary

July 28, 2009 6:41 PM | Link to this

Pete Rose is not the brightest guy in the world. He claims he is sorry for betting on baseball and really wants to be allowed back in MLB as he would be a great ambassador for it. Yet he lives in Vegas, releases a book the day he finally admits to betting on the Reds. He is not remoreful one bit and just likes money and getting back in baseball would mean more of it. I say sorry Charlie Hustle!

By joe

July 28, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

So what baseball is saying is that it’s ok to violate federal laws and take drugs, drink and drive, etc., you can still play after you get suspended. But their rule, which isn’t against the law is more important. Pete would have been better off using drugs.

By Dave Kreitzer

July 28, 2009 6:23 PM | Link to this

Indeed, to me, the steroid users did more to undermine the integrity of the game than anything Pete Rose may or may not have done. perhaps the steroid users were given a pass because all those home runs going out of the ballparks equated with a lot of cash coming in. Let Rose in or ban the proven steroid users for life as well.

By joe

July 28, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

So what baseball is saying is that it’s ok to violate federal laws and take drugs, drink and drive, etc., you can still play after you get suspended. But their rule, which isn’t against the law is more important. Pete would have been better off using drugs.

By Norm

July 28, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

I wouldn’t walk across the street to hear Pete give a speech, but would run across to watch him pkay ball. Pete was a great player and should be in the hall……Nuff Said

By joe

July 28, 2009 6:22 PM | Link to this

So what baseball is saying is that it’s ok to violate federal laws and take drugs, drink and drive, etc., you can still play after you get suspended. But their rule, which isn’t against the law is more important. Pete would have been better off using drugs.

By Chris

July 28, 2009 6:16 PM | Link to this

It doesn’t matter if they reinstate Pete or not, Baseball is dead anyway, can’t they see that from where they are?

By db

July 28, 2009 6:14 PM | Link to this

hey big daddy, what are you 12? rose should be in the hof based on his playing, who cares that he bet when he was a manager. selig is a fraud if he allows steroid geeks in and lets his personal dislike of rose to continue this charade.

By Rose fan

July 28, 2009 6:13 PM | Link to this

Big Daddy, The aggrement ALSO said that the commissioner’s office would not comment on WHY he was suspended, the terms of the bannishment or results of the investigation. Within minutes of the documents being signed, a statement was made by the Commissioners office, in direct violation of the aggreement. You forgot that part BigDaddy. Over the years, Selig has done more harm to baseball than Rose could ever have done. If anyone needs banned, how bout Selig, who OWNES a team, ensures it has a good schedule every year and is the Commissioner in charge of it….

By Jerry, Venice, Fl.

July 28, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

I was 12 when Pete came to the MLs. He played the same position I did. I remember His ROY & his sophmore slump, he got fat in the off season with his big $7,000 contract. I recall the All Star games and the World Series he played in. The 48 game hit streak and # 4192. I was awed by the way he played the game. WS, ASG or spring training he played the same way, all out all the time. He gave me more thrills than any other sports figure. Yes, I would like to see him in the HoF. Now, if he had been a Yankee, Hell no!

By PR

July 28, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

And to think they are letting Michael Vick back in the NFL. What’s wrong with this picture????

By Big Daddy

July 28, 2009 6:04 PM | Link to this

Keep the dirtbag banned forever. Sports do not need people with control over the outcomes betting on it. He lied when he admitted gambling(as only he could do-Hey Pete, everyone is not as dumb as you). He signed the lifetime ban agreement. He needs to get over it. He gets his annual review every year. It takes the Commish about 5 seconds to determine he should still be banned. Move on Rose lovers. Think of how many games he could have cost the Reds by saving a pitcher for tomorrow because he didn’t bet that day but was going to bet tomorrow. He is a dirtbag. Stop worshipping him.

By RETIRED SGT

July 28, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

Silverquill, I am somewhat familar with the investigation. There was evidence Rose bet on baseball, and on the REDS. There is NO evidence to suggest he threw games. Should ROSE be eligible? I think so. Although he broke the rules, there have been many people to break the rules. Sorry HAL but the steroid users broke the rules, the COKE users broke the rules, the Spitballers broke the rules, the Amphetamine users broke the rules. The Filled bat users broke the rules. They are all eligible, so should Rose be……

By TKidding72

July 28, 2009 6:01 PM | Link to this

I think his record as a player should stand. He should at least let him in the hall of fame he was a great player and made the game exciting to watch. After all they Let Michael Vick back in.

By greg

July 28, 2009 5:56 PM | Link to this

What a croc. Steroids is taboo here? Everyone has done things they are ashamed of. I think 20 years of banishment from MLB and Rose had paid his dues for his mistakes.

By Dave

July 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

How many years of ban did Shoeless Joe Jackson get even though he was exonerated of all cheating charges?

By silverquill

July 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

KH, do you know for sure that Rose didn’t throw games? You don’t. He was the manager making decisions. Those decisions affect outcomes of games. You need to get with the times. Cheating is cheating and disobering the rules is cheating. The guy should NEVER be exonerated. He tarnished the game and himself, if tarnishing himself was possible because he already was a despicable character.

By DMT

July 28, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

“Should he be re-instated so that he would be eligible for the Hall of Fame, but not be permitted back in baseball in any capacity?” YES “The 15-year statute of limitations has expired on the baseball writers ballot.” WHY? Rose was ineligible for the HOF, so why did his clock start on the 15 yrs.

By silverquill

July 28, 2009 5:35 PM | Link to this

KH, do you know for sure that Rose didn’t throw games? You don’t. He was the manager making decisions. Those decisions affect outcomes of games. You need to get with the times. Cheating is cheating and disobering the rules is cheating. The guy should NEVER be exonerated. He tarnished the game and himself, if tarnishing himself was possible because he already was a despicable character.

By Wordman

July 28, 2009 5:33 PM | Link to this

It’s time for Bud to retire. Can you imagine baseball having a hall of fame that doesn’t include its greatest hitter and probably won’t include its greatest home run hitter. They could change the name to “Baseball Hall of Fame .. Sort Of”

By KH

July 28, 2009 5:28 PM | Link to this

I think 20 years for what he did is more than enough. I guess if he just got mad at Marge and decided to start throwing games to get even with her that would be OK with baseball because he didn’t bet on anything. Gambling and throwing ballgames are 2 differrent things. Even The Commisioners office never said Pete threw any games. and throwing games is what the rule was made for almost 100 years ago now. Come on Baseball. Get with the times