MLB Commissioner expresses determination to induct Pete Rose into Hall of Fame, causing odds of it happening to significantly decrease
MLB Commissioner Considering Pete Rose's Reinstatement Appeal
Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred is currently reviewing the reinstatement appeal of baseball legend Pete Rose, which was filed by Rose's longtime attorney, Jeffrey Lenkov, in January.
Rose, who passed away last September at the age of 83, remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame due to a lifetime ban he agreed to in 1989 following an MLB investigation that revealed he had illegally gambled on games he played and coached while with the Cincinnati Reds.
Despite the ongoing review, Manfred has committed to issuing a ruling on Rose's reinstatement, though he has not specified when a decision will be made. The commissioner has stated that the process is "a little more complicated than it might appear."
During a meeting with President Donald Trump, Manfred discussed Rose's reinstatement, but Trump's pledge to issue a pardon for Rose did not influence Manfred's decision-making process. The commissioner has also made it clear that the league's embrace of sports betting will have no bearing on his ruling regarding Rose's reinstatement.
Throughout his illustrious career, Rose was a 17-time MLB All-Star, a three-time World Series champion, a three-time batting title winner, and the recipient of the Most Valuable Player Award. He holds numerous records, including the all-time lead in hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and singles (3,215).
If reinstated, Rose would be eligible for posthumous induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. However, it's important to note that, if reinstated, Rose would still be subject to MLB's betting rules, as all players, team staffers, front offices, umpires, and other league personnel remain prohibited from betting on baseball under Rule 21.
Manfred was asked about Rose's reinstatement status at the Associated Press Sports Editors meeting, but he did not provide any further details on the timeline for a decision. Regardless, the potential reinstatement of one of the greatest players in baseball history has sparked widespread interest and discussion among fans and industry insiders alike.
