NEW YORK — Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that discussions regarding Pete Rose took place during a recent meeting with former President Donald Trump. The potential reconsideration of Rose’s permanent ban from baseball, following his death in September 2024, is now on the horizon.
Speaking at a gathering of the Associated Press Sports Editors, Manfred noted that their conversation covered various topics, including concerns about how immigration policies might affect players from nations like Cuba and Venezuela. At the forefront of these discussions was Rose, whose past as Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader remains marred by a lifetime ban imposed in 1989 for gambling on the game.
Rose’s reinstatement has been sought posthumously through a petition filed by Jeffrey Lenkov, a California attorney who represented him during his lifetime. Manfred emphasized that while he would consider the petition, the process is more complex than it might initially appear. “I want to get it done promptly as soon as we get the work done,” he said, indicating a commitment to a resolution without delay.
The former president expressed public support for Rose via social media, stating he would consider a pardon. Trump has faced scrutiny over whether a presidential pardon could include measures for Rose’s prior tax convictions, adding another layer to an already intricate situation. Rose, who played a significant role in baseball history with 4,256 hits and multiple World Series titles, was banned after an investigation revealed he bet on games involving the Cincinnati Reds, both as a player and manager.
Despite the possibility of reinstatement, Manfred clarified that this does not guarantee Rose a spot on the Hall of Fame ballot. Any reinstatement would first require nomination by the Hall’s Historical Overview Committee, appointed by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Manfred, who regularly communicates with the Hall’s chair, Jane Forbes Clark, described ongoing discussions regarding Rose’s eligibility.
Manfred also addressed concerns about the relationship between legal sports betting and Rose’s case, asserting a distinction between a player’s privileges and responsibilities. “There is and always has been a clear demarcation,” he stated, emphasizing that players must adhere to strict rules regarding gambling.
On the topic of foreign-born players and immigration policies, Manfred refrained from specifics but acknowledged ongoing dialogues with the administration to safeguard these athletes’ ability to navigate borders. The complexities of these issues reflect a keen interest from both Major League Baseball and governmental officials in maintaining the sport’s integrity and accessibility.
As the possibility of reinstating Pete Rose looms, the coming months will be pivotal for the future of a player whose legacy remains one of the most debated in baseball history.