One of the greatest Major League Baseball players of all-time, the career hits leader who had his entire career overshadowed by gambling on the game he lived for, Pete Rose, has passed away at the age of 83. I remember many a summer afternoon in the early 80s sitting on the couch with my pops watching the Reds game and witnessing the greatness of good old Charlie Hustle. Unfortunately, what Rose ultimately became most known for was betting on baseball, which kept him from being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Many, including me, believe that Rose should have been allowed into the HoF in his later years, having repented of his sins to the fans of the sport long ago.
Here’s more from ESPN:
Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed on behalf of the medical examiner that Rose died Monday. Rose was found by a family member. The coroner will investigate to determine the cause and manner of death, but there are no signs of foul play, according to ABC News. Over the weekend, Rose had appeared at an autograph show in Nashville with former teammates Tony Perez, George Foster and Dave Concepcion.
For fans who came of age in the 1960s and 1970s, no player was more exciting than the Cincinnati Reds‘ No. 14, “Charlie Hustle,” the brash superstar with the shaggy hair, puggish nose and muscular forearms. At the dawn of artificial surfaces, divisional play and free agency, Rose was old school, a conscious throwback to baseball’s early days. Millions could never forget him crouched and scowling at the plate, running full speed to first even after drawing a walk or sprinting for the next base and diving headfirst into the bag. Major League Baseball, which banished him in 1989, issued a brief statement expressing condolences and noting his “greatness, grit and determination on the field of play.” Reds principal owner and managing partner Bob Castellini said in a statement that Rose was “one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen” and added: “We must never forget what he accomplished.”
Rose was able to play on three World Series winners during his illustrious career playing America’s favorite pastime. He was, impressively, a 17 time All-Star and was notable for his ability to switch-hit. Charlie Hustle as he was known, also became the National League MVP in 1973 and the MVP for the World Series just two years later. He currently holds the MLB record for number of games played at 3,562, along with the most plate appearances at 15,890. Oh and did I mention Rose holds the NL record for longest hitting streak at 44? No? Well, there you go. You’re welcome.
Pete Rose was also apart of one of the most legendary Reds lineups from 1975-1976, which included players such as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, and Tony Perez.
“My heart is sad,” Bench went on to say in a statement addressing the passing of his dear friend and former teammate. “I loved you Peter Edward. You made all of us better. No matter the life we led. No one can replace you.”
The Reds also posted a response to the news of Rose’s passing, saying they were “heartbroken.”
The Reds are heartbroken to learn of the passing of baseball legend Pete Rose. pic.twitter.com/zOlU9NreWR
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 30, 2024
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But no milestone approached his 4,256 hits, breaking his hero Ty Cobb’s 4,191 and signifying his excellence no matter the notoriety which followed. It was a total so extraordinary that you could average 200 hits for 20 years and still come up short. Rose’s secret was consistency and longevity. Over 24 seasons, all but six played entirely with the Reds, Rose had 200 hits or more 10 times, and more than 180 four other times. He batted .303 overall, even while switching from second base to outfield to third to first, and he led the league in hits seven times.
“Every summer, three things are going to happen,” Rose would often say. “The grass is going to get green, the weather is going to get hot and Pete Rose is going to get 200 hits and bat .300.”
ESPN also reported, “Rose reached 1,000 hits in 1968, 2,000 just five years later and 3,000 just five years after that. He moved into second place, ahead of Hank Aaron, with hit No. 3,772, in 1982. No. 4,000 was off the Phillies’ Jerry Koosman in 1984, exactly 21 years to the day after his first hit. He caught up with Cobb on Sept. 8, 1985 and surpassed him three days later, in Cincinnati, with Rose’s mother and teenage son, Pete Jr., among those in attendance.”
Rather than spend time talking about his betting controversy, I prefer to remember ole Charlie Hustle for his accomplishments. Which included a stint managing his beloved Reds at the age of 44.
Prayers for Mr. Rose’s family and friends during this time of loss.