Showdown on the sports pages
MLB ought to stir from its slothfulness and acknowledge Pete Rose as hero, indicated by Trump's impending pardon declaration.
In a surprising turn of events, after gracing headlines following the Ukraine White House crisis, President Donald Trump once again took center stage - this time in the sports section.
Trump used his Twitter account on Saturday to announce he will soon pardon the late Pete Rose, the former Cincinnati Reds legend banned by MLB in 1989 for beting on games he managed. Trump argued that Rose should not have gambled on baseball, but "only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING."
The President went on to lambast MLB for its unwillingness to induct Rose into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was still alive. Trump denounced the baseball body for lacking the "courage or decency" to do so, and urged them to "get off their fat, lazy ass" and elect Rose, posthumously, despite the ban.
Trump's Persistent Pressure
Trump's stance on Rose's induction has been consistent. Just weeks before his death, Rose expressed his desire to be honored as a living player, not a deceased one. Trump fueled this fire by demanding that the MLB induct Rose "now, before his funeral!"
Reports suggest that Trump's pardon will cover Rose's gambling charges, but the specifics are yet to be clarified. Trump did not explicitly mention Rose's case where he admitted to tax evasion charges and served five months in federal prison.
Considering Per fate's Plea
Amid Trump's stirring demands, it seems the MLB is considering a petition lodged by Rose's family to have him removed from the league body's ineligible list. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred is deliberating over the petition, while a Hall of Fame spokesperson asserted that if reinstated, Rose's induction process would involve the Hall's Era Committee rather than the BBWAA vote.
The Hall of Fame insider pointed out that candidates must have played in the Major Leagues no more than 15 years prior to each election, a rule that might pose a challenge for Rose if reinstated posthumously.
In today's sports landscape, the saga surrounding Pete Rose's potential Hall of Fame induction continues, fueled by Trump's relentless advocacy and the MLB's pending decision on Rose's reinstatement.
- Despite the MLB's ban, President Trump announced his intention to pardon the late Pete Rose, a former Major League Baseball player, for gambling on games he managed.
- Trump has been persistent in his stance, urging the MLB to induct Rose into the Baseball Hall of Fame while he was still alive, accusing the baseball body of lacking courage and decency.
- Amid Trump's demands, the MLB is reportedly considering a petition lodged by Rose's family to remove him from the league body's ineligible list.
- If reinstated, Pete Rose's induction process would involve the Hall's Era Committee rather than the BBWAA vote, according to a Hall of Fame spokesperson.
