Pete Rose: Ban Over?

On September 30, 2024, Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83. Starting his career in 1963 Rose played for the Reds, Expos, and Phillies. Midway through 1984 Rose returned to Cincinnati in a player-manager position. Finally, in 1986 he turned his focus to being a full time manager.
Pete Rose’s downfall began in 1989 when he was accused of sports betting at a sports bar in Ohio. In baseball betting by players, coaches, and managers is strictly prohibited. Sports Illustrated then contacted the owner of the restaurant who revealed that he had run bets for Rose. Close friend of Rose’s, Paul Janszen, claimed that Pete would give him bets to place when he was in the dugout. Rose rejected these claims and called them ridiculous. When Rose was asked in March about the bets he said wouldn’t outright deny his betting. He also said that he would share his side of the story at a later date.
An investigation was launched on Rose, after Bart Giamatti became commissioner in April 1989. He hired John Dowd to handle the situation. During the investigation many accounts of Rose’s gambling were made and documents detailing his past bets were submitted. Janzsen even claimed that in a 3 month period Rose lost $450,000 and that he often made comments about throwing a game to win a bet. Rose called the people testifying against him criminals and said that had no “credibility”. He then filed a lawsuit to push back his trial with Giamatti, this was successful meaning a temporary restraining order was placed and the trial was postponed. The case was removed from the federal courts to avoid further battles and Giamatti and Rose decided to end the conflict with settlement agreements. Ultimately, Rose signed a contract on August 24, 1989 declaring him permanently ineligible from baseball. Some may think this is extreme, however, betting in baseball has always been taken seriously.
Later in his 2004 memoir, Rose admitted to betting on baseball, and more specifically betting on his team. Even if he didn’t admit today there is an overwhelming amount of evidence of his bets. However, many people think that some grace should be given. Even though he made mistakes, his impressive baseball career cannot be denied. In his career, he recorded over 3,000 hits, had the most at bats in baseball history, and was a 17 time all-star. Even if you don’t agree with what he did, you have to admit he had a hall of fame worthy career. Now, people are talking about letting Pete Rose back into baseball and possibly into the hall of fame. But where does the line between morals and exceptions fall? How do we pick and choose which rule breakers get free passes? Do we let Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame?