While September 11 will now forever be remembered as the date of the attack on the World Trade Center, in 1985 it’s also when Pete Rose became the all the hits leader in major league baseball. The star of the Cincinnati Reds however is now best known for his activities off the field.
Many things in life aren’t fair; the amount of calories in good food, LOST being over, and the money earned from games on Facebook isn’t real. However, I don’t think there is any greater case of injustice, including the O.J trial, than Pete Rose being banned from the Hall of Fame. Of all the players that have ever played the game of baseball, none have more base hits than Rose.
Granted, there is a reason for his banishment; Rose gambled on baseball. But I believe his time has been served, in this a country of great forgiveness. There are those who have done much worse things that are treated less harshly than Rose. Nobody was ever hurt by his actions, but would probably be better off if he had taken the life of another. Apparently the integrity of baseball is worth more than anything else.
I think pet lovers may be even more fanatical than fans of the Buckeyes, yet Michael Vick is back to playing in the NFL after being the ring leader of dog fights. Charlie Sheen held a butcher knife up to his wife and is back to filming episodes of ‘Two and a Half Men.’ The worst that Pete Rose ever did was bet on his team to win, never to lose, yet has received no forgiveness.
It should be stated that Rose did agree to the lifetime ban, but who ever keeps their word? Rose being kept from being active in major league baseball is more acceptable than the Hall of Fame banishment. The misdeeds he performed were after his playing days were over, so should not take away his tremendous accomplishment. The Hall of Fame is not exclusive to angelic beings, enshrined are individuals who did much worse things than Rose.
Imagine Graceland without Elvis, while a tremendous entertainer, he also had a drug problem and many women other than Priscilla. Should those discretions have prevented him from being celebrated for his singing career? I think not Like Elvis belongs in Graceland, Rose belongs in Cooperstown.
This year on September 11, Rose was given permission to appear on the field at Great American Ballpark for the 25th anniversary of his record breaking hit, number 4,192. Finally, he’s being given a break, but just for one night only.
Obviously, Rose should have been honest from the start and admitted his errors rather than denying it for years. If he had made a tearful confession and sought sympathy, things might have gone differently. Tiger Woods was made to the face the music, and is now back to playing golf. Again, did Rose do anything worse than having an affair with dozens of women?
There are murders who get released from prison after less than 10 years, but the sentence on Pete Rose for betting on baseball continues to be served. In my opinion, until the all time hits leader is inducted, the Hall of Fame will be incomplete.
