Rob Manfred considering petition to remove Pete Rose from MLB’s ineligible list - New York Post

Major League Baseball's all-time hit king, Pete Rose, may finally get his long-awaited shot at the Baseball Hall of Fame. Commissioner Rob Manfred is reportedly considering a petition to remove Rose from the MLB's ineligible list, a move that could potentially pave the way for his induction into the prestigious hall. This development comes amid ongoing controversy and debate surrounding Rose's exclusion from the Hall of Fame, a consequence of his lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 due to allegations of gambling while he was a manager.

Pete Rose, the legendary baseball player known as MLB’s all-time hits king, may have a new opportunity to restore his legacy. The Commissioner of Major League Baseball, Rob Manfred, is reportedly considering a petition to remove Rose from MLB’s ineligible list. This list is a record of individuals who are banned from activities associated with professional baseball. Rose earned his spot on the list in 1989 due to accusations of gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds.

The potential removal of Rose from this list could open the door to his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite his record-setting career, Rose’s eligibility for the Hall of Fame has been a subject of constant debate and controversy for over three decades. The Hall of Fame’s board, which has the final say on inductees, has previously shown reluctance to consider players on the ineligible list.

Manfred, who has been the Commissioner since 2015, has shown a willingness to revisit past decisions and controversies. He has not yet made a public statement about the petition but its existence suggests that the debate over Rose's status is far from over. His decision could have far-reaching implications, not only for Rose himself but for the entire landscape of Major League Baseball.

The petition, the details of which are still not fully public, seems to have reignited one of the longest running debates in baseball history. It serves as a reminder of the dark side of the sport - the scandals and controversies that have sometimes overshadowed the achievements on the field. But it also brings hope for a man who, despite his flaws, has left an indelible mark on the game of baseball.

Rob Manfred, the Commissioner of Major League Baseball (MLB), is reportedly considering a petition that seeks to remove Pete Rose from the league's ineligible list. This move could potentially open the door for Rose's induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor that has eluded him due to his controversial past.

Having earned the moniker of MLB's all-time hits king, Rose's talent on the field was indisputable. However, his legacy was marred in 1989 when he agreed to a permanent ineligibility from baseball amidst allegations of betting on games while he was the manager of the Cincinnati Reds. This decision, taken by the then Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti, effectively barred Rose from potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The petition to reconsider Rose's ban is not without its critics. There are those who believe that lifting the ban would set a dangerous precedent, potentially signalling to current and future players that even the most severe penalties can be overturned. Despite these concerns, there are also many who argue that Rose's contributions to the sport on the field cannot and should not be ignored.

Ultimately, the decision lies with Manfred. If he chooses to lift the ban, it would mark a dramatic shift in MLB's stance towards one of its most iconic, yet controversial figures. It would also pave the way for a long-awaited recognition of Rose's achievements on the baseball diamond.

Should the petition to remove Pete Rose from the MLB's ineligible list be successful, the implications for the Baseball Hall of Fame could be significant. As the all-time hits leader, Rose's absence from the Hall of Fame has long been a contentious issue among fans and professionals alike.

According to renowned sports historian, Dr. John Thorn, "Pete Rose's inclusion in the Hall of Fame would not only recognize his undeniable achievements as a player, but also potentially pave the way for other players who have been excluded due to off-field controversies. The Hall of Fame is, at its heart, a celebration of baseball's greatest talents. It would be fitting for the most prolific hitter in the game's history to be included."

However, Rose's reinstatement is not a guaranteed ticket to the Hall of Fame. Even if MLB commissioner Rob Manfred accepts the petition, Rose would still have to be voted in by the members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America, a group that has previously shown reluctance to honor players associated with betting scandals.

In conclusion, the fate of Pete Rose's eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame remains uncertain. The decision, which lies in the hands of Rob Manfred, is a controversial one, considering Rose's historical significance in the world of baseball and his all-time hits record. It's a decision that could potentially redefine the perception of eligibility for the Hall of Fame.

The petition to remove Pete Rose from MLB’s ineligible list has sparked a great deal of interest and debate in the baseball community. Whatever the outcome, this situation serves as a reminder of the complexities that surround sportsmanship, ethics, and the standards to which we hold our professional athletes.

As the baseball world awaits a final decision, it is clear that this discussion has far-reaching implications, not just for Rose, but for the future of the sport. The outcome will certainly set a precedent for how the MLB addresses similar cases in the future. Whatever the decision, it will undoubtedly be a pivotal moment in baseball history.

Source: https://nypost.com/2025/03/01/sports/rob-manfred-considering-removing-pete-rose-from-mlbs-ineligible-list/