Pete Rose earned his Hall of Fame ban
In Sunday editions, Bernie Lincicome argues that Pete Rose’s omission from the Baseball Hall of Fame is “unearned.”
While the selection process is largely subjective, if anyone has earned a lifetime ban — and agreed to it — it’s Pete Rose.
Baseball’s Rule 21 states in part: “Any player, umpire, or Club or League official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform, shall be declared permanently ineligible.”
Rose gambled. He accepted his ban.
The notion that betting today — which is, of course, limited to those not involved in the game — somehow absolves Rose simply does not hold water.
From The Associated Press, June 4 of this year: San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was banned from baseball for life for betting on the sport and four others were suspended for one year by Major League Baseball.
That Rose was exciting to watch, or that he piled up singular statistics, does not absolve him.
Those statistics — for those who have not visited the Hall or its website, are there for all to see. The leaderboards all show Rose at the top for hits, games played, etc. He is recognized for his achievements.
The character issue is one that can be batted around endlessly. Are there bad people in the Hall? Of course. Would one more matter? Probably not. But that’s not the issue.
When player friends got him a meeting with Bud Selig, he was given conditions for reinstatement, including never again consorting with gamblers. He agreed, then went right to a sportsbook in Vegas.
Rose made his bed. No one else.
Patrick Dickson
Lindenhurst