Pete Rose, the controversial and iconic baseball player who was banned for life from Major League Baseball for gambling on the sport, has passed away at the age of 83.
Rose, who was known as “Charlie Hustle” for his aggressive style of play, was one of the greatest and most polarizing figures in the history of the sport. He played for the Cincinnati Reds from 1963 to 1978 and then spent time with the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos before retiring in 1986.
Despite his incredible talent on the field, Rose’s legacy was forever marred by his gambling habit. In 1989, he was banned from the sport by then-MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti after an investigation found that he had bet on games, including ones involving his own team.
Rose denied the allegations for years, but in 2004, he admitted to betting on baseball and agreed to permanently ban himself from the sport. Despite his ban, Rose remained a beloved figure among many fans, who appreciated his passion for the game and his never-say-die attitude.
Throughout his career, Rose set numerous records, including the all-time hits record with 4,256. He was a 17-time All-Star, three-time World Series champion, and the 1963 National League Rookie of the Year.
In 2016, there was renewed speculation that Rose could potentially be reinstated to the game, but those hopes were dashed when MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that he would not be lifting the ban. Despite the controversy surrounding him, Rose remained a beloved figure in the baseball world and continued to be involved in the sport through various business ventures and appearances.
Rose’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans, players, and officials in the baseball world. Former teammate Johnny Bench called Rose a “true legend” and praised his passion for the game, while MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his condolences to Rose’s family and friends.
Pete Rose’s legacy is a complex one, but there is no denying his impact on the sport of baseball. He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever step foot on the diamond, and his name will always be synonymous with both greatness and controversy.