Pete Rose Now Eligible for Hall of Fame as MLB Removes Deceased Players from Banned List
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred made a significant decision today, removing deceased players from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. The move opens the door for Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, to potentially enter the Hall of Fame.
Rose, who collected an astounding 4,265 career hits over 24 seasons, has been banned from baseball since 1989 after allegations surfaced that he bet on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. In 1991, the Hall of Fame’s board created what became known as “the Pete Rose rule,” preventing anyone on the permanently ineligible list from being considered for enshrinement.
Manfred’s reasoning is straightforward: a deceased player can’t threaten baseball’s integrity, and there’s no punishment greater than one lasting a lifetime. It’s worth noting that Rose, at 83, is still very much alive – but the policy change affects his eligibility status regardless.
“The Phillies support today’s decision by Commissioner Manfred and Major League Baseball to remove Pete Rose from the permanently ineligible list,” the team stated on social media. “As one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Pete made significant on-field contributions to the Phillies over his five seasons (1979-83) with the club, highlighted by our first World Series title in 1980.”
While Rose is primarily associated with the Reds, where he spent 19 seasons, his impact in Philadelphia was immediate and substantial. He helped deliver the Phillies’ first World Series championship in 1980 and earned four All-Star selections during his five years with the club.
Rose’s career accomplishments are undeniable. He was a 17-time All-Star, MVP Award winner, Silver Slugger, three-time batting champion, three-time World Series champion, and World Series MVP. Those credentials would typically make someone a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
The gambling issue has always been the sticking point. Many baseball purists believe Rose’s actions undermined the sport’s integrity and should permanently disqualify him from baseball’s highest honor. That debate isn’t likely to end anytime soon.
With today’s decision, Rose could potentially be enshrined as soon as 2028. But that’s far from guaranteed – it’s now in the hands of voters, many of whom still believe his gambling transgressions should keep him out. At least after more than three decades, he’ll finally have his chance.
