On August 24, 1989, former major leaguer and manager Pete Rose was banned from Major League Baseball for life for illegally betting on baseball. The ban was issued by then MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti, who died suddenly eight days later. Giamatti was replaced by Faye Vincent (1989-1992), Bud Selig (interim 1992-1997, permanent 1998-2014) and Rob Manfred Jr. (2015-present).
During the 26-year ban, Rose applied for reinstatement with Vincent and Selig, both of whom declined to lift the ban. Rose tried again this past season with new commissioner Rob Manfred, who he met with on Monday to learn his fate.
During their meeting Rose reportedly told Manfred that he had quit gambling entirely but then admitted that he still gambles “recreationally.” When the dust finally settled. Manfred chose to uphold the ban imposed Giamatti and sustained by Vincent and Selig.
On Tuesday, Rose held a press conference during which he did little to help his cause and, in fact, may have sealed his doom for any future reinstatement consideration.
It’s worth noting that Manfred openly stated that Rose’s lifetime ban from baseball does not preclude him from Hall of Fame consideration, as the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a private entity and not under the control of Major League Baseball.
But what do you think? Should Rob Manfred have reinstated Pete Rose? (Feel free to comment below).
I voted “No”, but I do feel he should be admitted to the hall of Fame!
Pete Rose will be in the HOF. He just won’t be alive to see it.
I voted that Rose should be re-instated, I think it’s unfair that he should be judged on how he lives his present life. He’s not a criminal. And if he is re-instated, his name should also be placed on the HoF ballet. Yes, be re-instated on both counts.
Placing bets through a bookie (some which were for $10,000) is a crime, Joe.
I understood he only gambles legally, like anyone else and he’s not allowed to do that, if he wants to be re-instated.
He gambled illegally through a bookie, Joe – occasionally for as much as $10,000. Gambling on baseball of any type (legally or otherwise) is strictly prohibited by the MLB for current players, coaches, managers, etc. But even after he was banned from the game and knowing that gambling was the reason for his banning, why would he gamble again EVER if he was fighting for reinstatement?
He controlled his own destiny and he blew it. Not sure what part of this you don’t get.
Where’s the “Hell No” option? That’s the one I’d vote for.
Tell us how you really feel, Evan.