CINCINNATI — The Reds, coming off a brutal 5-1 10-inning loss to the lowly White Sox Tuesday night, could use a boost right now. And those in and around the organization hope recognizing the most famous player in the history of the 156-year-old franchise might be just the trick to do it.
But Pete Rose Night has far more to do with honoring the memory and baseball legacy of the “Hit King” than it does everything on the periphery. Rose died on Sept. 30, 2024 at the age of 83.
Everyone knows the Rose saga is a complicated one. Everyone knows what Cincinnati’s most famous son did right in the game and wrong outside the lines.
Wednesday night is about honoring his uniquely exceptional gift to the game of baseball as someone who was completely and utterly dedicated to being the best on the field at all times.
Still, Major League Baseball, just a day before Pete Rose Day at Great American Ball Park, issued a ruling that will have lasting ramifications of Rose’s legacy in the game.
Commissioner Rob Manfred removed Rose and nine others from the “permanently ineligible” list of Major League Baseball and ordered Rose posthumously reinstated so that he may be officially eligible for consideration in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
“On behalf of the Reds and our generations of loyal fans, we are thankful for the decision of Commissioner Manfred and Major League Baseball regarding the removal of Pete Rose from the permanently ineligible list,” Reds owner Robert Castellini said in a statement. “Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have.
“We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”
Rose’s lasting legacy as a player is defined as a three-time World Series champion and the most prolific hitter in the history of the game. His legacy away from the game is trying to resolve his many indiscretions that muddied the waters over how he was dealt with when alive and now since his passing.
To that end, Rose’s case sparked MLB to create a policy for those on a suspended list after they have passed. Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged that Tuesday.
“This issue has never been formally addressed by Major League Baseball, but an application filed by the family of Pete Rose has made it incumbent upon the Office of the Commissioner to reach a policy decision on this unprecedented issue in the modern era as Mr. Rose is the first person banned after the tenure of Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis to die while still on the ineligible list. Commissioner Manfred has concluded that MLB’s policy shall be that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual,” MLB said in a statement.
In a letter to Rose attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others. In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served.
“Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”
The Hall of Fame said in a statement that the players removed from the permanently ineligible list will have their candidacies for induction now considered. In the case of Rose and Jackson, specifically, their names could come up in late 2027, when the Hall of Fame’s Classic Baseball Era Committee, which considers players who made their greatest impact on the game before 1980, next meets.
“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” said the institution’s chair, Jane Forbes Clark.
The Hall of Fame’s board of directors, while including Manfred and several MLB team owners, remains a separate organization with its own governance and bylaws.
President Trump said he intends to posthumously pardon him. Before Rose’s death, both Manfred and his predecessor, Bud Selig, repeatedly refused to reinstate him, finding that he failed to “present credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”
Wednesday night will be loaded with emotion and sentiment. The Reds have a game to play against the White Sox and desperately need a win to begin good vibes for a team that is 20-23 and taking on water fast.
Here’s what’s on the docket Wednesday night:
5:44 p.m. – Gates open to Great American Ball Park
• Pete #14 Replica Jersey: All fans in attendance will receive a #14 Pete Rose replica jersey featuring a commemorative “Pete Rose Night” tag. Adult size XL will be given to fans at ballpark gates. XL jerseys can be exchanged for Adult M or Adult 2XL at exchange tables near Gapper’s Alley (Terrace Level behind section 120) and the First Star Fan Zone, while supplies last.
6:30 p.m. – Pregame Ceremonies Begin
• Q&A with Pete’s Friends: With Hall of Fame broadcaster Marty Brennaman serving as emcee, Reds Hall of Famers George Foster, Ken Griffey Sr., Eric Davis and Barry Larkin will share stories and memories of Pete Rose.
• Pete Rose Video Tribute: Terry Francona and others will honor the Hit King with videoboard features.
• Honor Guard: Tonight’s colors will be presented by members of the United States Army. (Pete Rose joined the U.S. Army Reserves in 1963)
• Moment of Remembrance: Prior to the singing of the National Anthem, a 14-second Moment of Remembrance will be held to honor the life of Pete Rose.
• National Anthem: 14 students from Western Hills High School, Pete Rose’s alma mater, will sing the national anthem.
• Game Ball Delivery: Members of the Rose family will deliver the official game ball.
• Honorary Captain: Members of the Rose family will serve as the game’s honorary captains.
7:14 p.m. – Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago White Sox
• TV: FanDuel Sports Network – special one-hour pregame show starts at 6 p.m. (John Sadak, Barry Larkin & Jim Day)
• Radio: 700WLW and stations on the Reds Radio Network (Tommy Thrall & Chris Welsh)
• In-game Features: Iconic Pete Rose moments will be shared during inning breaks on the ballpark videoboards.
