CINCINNATI — Major League Baseball has lifted Pete Rose’s permanent ineligibility, a move announced Tuesday that paves the way for the all-time hits leader to be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose, who passed away last September at the age of 83, had been banned from the game since 1989 after an investigation confirmed he had placed bets while managing and playing for the Cincinnati Reds.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred articulated in a recent statement that the status of permanent ineligibility ceases upon the death of the individual involved. This guideline not only applies to Rose but also affects 17 deceased players currently listed as permanently ineligible, including several infamous figures from the 1919 Black Sox scandal.
The Baseball Hall of Fame welcomed the decision, reaffirming that anyone removed from the permanently ineligible list becomes eligible for Hall consideration. The Hall’s Historical Overview Committee is now tasked with compiling a ballot of eight candidates for the Classic Baseball Era Committee, which will evaluate figures who had a significant impact on the game prior to 1980. This committee is scheduled to meet in December 2027 to cast their votes.
Earlier this year, Manfred revealed that his discussions with former President Donald Trump included not just immigration policies affecting international players but also the case of Pete Rose. While the details of that conversation remain private, Trump has expressed his intent to pardon Rose, stating that although Rose placed bets on his own team, he never bet against them.
Rose publicly acknowledged his gambling activities in a 2007 interview with ABC, admitting he had bet on baseball games during the 1987 and 1988 seasons. In his autobiography, “My Prison Without Bars,” he reflected on how his choices could be seen as jeopardizing the integrity of the sport. “There’s no excuse for that,” Rose wrote, but he also argued that a lifetime ban was an excessive punishment.
Known for his immense contributions to baseball, Rose played from 1963 to 1986, primarily with the Reds but also with the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos. He garnered 17 All-Star selections and three World Series championships, setting records for career hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14,053).
The recent decision regarding Rose’s ineligibility signifies a significant shift in how MLB addresses past infractions and player eligibility, particularly for those who have since passed away. This change opens the door for discussions about the legacies of others who have been similarly affected by historical prohibitions, creating potential opportunities for re-evaluation and recognition in the rich tapestry of baseball history.