Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader in baseball and a once-revered figure whose legacy was tarnished by gambling, has passed away at the age of 83.
Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed Rose's death on behalf of the medical examiner on Monday. The cause of death has not yet been determined.
For fans who grew up in the 1960s and 70s, no player was more thrilling than the Cincinnati Reds' No. 14. Nicknamed 'Charlie Hustle,' Rose was a dynamic superstar with distinctive features and a relentless playing style. He embodied the spirit of baseball's early days, often seen crouching and scowling at the plate, running full speed to first base even after drawing a walk.
A 17-time All-Star, Rose played on three World Series-winning teams. He was the National League MVP in 1973 and the World Series MVP in 1975. He holds numerous records, including the most games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890) in major league history, as well as the longest hitting streak in the National League (44 games). However, his crowning achievement was his 4,256 career hits, surpassing his idol Ty Cobb's 4,191.
Rose's secret to success was his consistency and longevity. Over 24 seasons, he amassed 200 or more hits 10 times and more than 180 hits on four other occasions. He batted .303 overall, despite switching positions multiple times, and led the league in hits seven times.
On September 8, 1985, at the age of 44, Rose tied Cobb's record and surpassed it three days later in Cincinnati, with his mother and teenage son, Pete Jr., in attendance. Baseball commissioner Peter Ueberroth declared that Rose had 'reserved a prominent spot in Cooperstown.' After the game, a 2-0 win for the Reds, Rose received a phone call from President Ronald Reagan, who assured him that his reputation and legacy were secure.
However, four years later, Rose's career took a dramatic turn. In March 1989, Ueberroth announced a 'full inquiry into serious allegations' against Rose. Reports surfaced that he had been betting on baseball games, including those involving the Reds. Despite his denials, the investigation revealed extensive betting activity by Rose during the 1985, 1986, and 1987 seasons.
Betting on baseball had been considered a cardinal sin since 1920, when several members of the Chicago White Sox were expelled for throwing the 1919 World Series. In August 1989, Bart Giamatti, who succeeded Ueberroth, announced a lifetime ban on Rose from baseball. This decision rendered him ineligible for the Hall of Fame.
Rose's supporters, including Donald Trump, argued for his reinstatement, but the ban remained in place. In a 2004 memoir, Rose admitted to betting on baseball, effectively ending any hopes of a comeback. Despite his public appearances at casinos, where he claimed to be promoting rather than gambling, Rose acknowledged that he had 'messed up' and that his father would have been disappointed.
Rose's passion for baseball was unparalleled. He memorized game details and statistics, and his relentless approach to the game was evident in his brawls and intense play. Although he was never inducted into the Hall of Fame, his career is commemorated with items such as his MVP helmet, the bat from his 44-game hitting streak, and the cleats he wore when he became the all-time hits leader.
