In an editorial “Pete Rose still does not belong in the MLB Hall of Fame“, The New Era passes judgment on the legendary Pete Rose, an individual so different from other ball players let alone from the editors who spend their gray lives commuting to and from their desk(s) at 6 W. King Street.
About thirty years ago, son Richard and I attended a Phillies spring exhibition in Clearwater, FL. Not yet a player manager, nevertheless one could discern the deference the players on the opposing team bestowed upon Rose. They gazed in awe and seemed reluctant to draw near. Moreover, the energy ‘Charlie Hustle’ brought to the exhibition game can be likened to that of a chain saw to a log. One could feel his charisma in the stands.
Rose is placed in ‘purgatory’ by the editor(s) because “He bet on games in which the Cincinnati Reds were playing while he was the team’s manager.” He bet on his team; this was manifestation of his zest to win and perhaps an addiction to gambling.
The editor(s) say: “First, of all, being the icon that he was, Rose had a special responsibility to uphold the sport’s integrity.”
Sure, we can just see Rose as a member of the Rotary and having lunch each day at the Press Room. Maybe he could organize a church picnic. More seriously, the very competitive nature of Rose caused him to focus on the game to the fullest extent of his ability; not worrying about setting some abstract example.
It was his competitiveness (and perhaps addiction) that caused him to bet on his team to win. When ownership pay a premium to purchase a relief pitcher late in the season to help win the pennant, they too are both competitive and betting. But we laud them. It is basically the same instinct, “The eye of the tiger.”
The editor(s) say “As for Rose, he has never delivered what has sounded even close to a sincere apology for what he did…”
Apparently Rose doesn’t’ think what he did was so wrong as to merit a public apology. He has admitted he did it and paid a big price. Why isn’t he entitled to his beliefs?
The irony of all of this is that being kept out of the Hall of Fame is not dimming Pete Rose’s reputation. He will be in the minds and on the lips of all who visit Youngstown. Columnists, editors and talk shows will be discussing him every time new members are selected.
The Commissioners of baseball have made his fame bigger than all the rest of the players. Talk about unintended consequences!
