Pete Rose has finally been reinstated.
The former Cincinnati Reds outfielder, who passed away in September 2024, has stirred quite a conversation about baseball’s values and the Hall of Fame.
Commissioner Rob Manfred recently announced that Rose, along with other players banned from the game, is no longer permanently ineligible. This means he could potentially be considered for the Hall of Fame, which has a lot of people talking.
One of the most vocal critics of this decision is Trevor Bauer. He recently expressed his frustration towards MLB officials, claiming he has been “blackballed” from the league.
“So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed? Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that?” Bauer wrote on X(formerly Twitter).
So, since Pete is welcome back now, does that go for everyone who has been blackballed? Or do you actually have to be guilty of something to qualify for that?
— Trevor Bauer (トレバー・バウアー) (@BauerOutage) May 14, 2025
Rose, a legendary figure in baseball history, was banned from the sport in 1991 after being found to have bet on games while both a player and a manager.
Although he achieved incredible records during his career, his gambling on baseball has kept him out of the Hall of Fame.
Also Read: President Donald Trump Announces Complete Pardon For Baseball Legend Pete Rose
Cubs Legend Calls Pete Rose’s Induction A Long Overdue
While all sorts of reactions have started rolling since the news came out, it’s still not over for Pete Rose.
With the possibility of considering Rose for induction, the question arises: Should he be inducted into the Hall of Fame?
Andre Dawson, a Hall of Famer and former player who faced Rose numerous times during their careers, believes that Rose’s induction is “long overdue.”
According to him, it should happen as soon as possible. Dawson, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010, shared a personal story about meeting Rose shortly before his death.
“We were in Nashville, and the Big Red Machine was there. He was supposed to stay over the next day to do a private signing, but he wasn’t feeling that well. And he flew back home that night to Vegas. And unfortunately, it was the next day (that he died),” Dawson said.
Pete Rose and Andre Dawson = 7,030 hits pic.twitter.com/Ci4F9UI5yk
— Stirrups Now! (@uniformcritic) August 20, 2024
Rose holds the record for the most hits in MLB history with 4,256. He also has an impressive career résumé that includes notable accolades such as being a National League MVP and a 17-time All-Star.
Despite his accomplishments, his gambling history has kept him off the Baseball Writers Association of America’s ballot.
Also Read: President Donald Trump Shares Unfiltered Take On Pete Rose And Hall Of Fame Debate