Because I spent most of my evening reading, I didn't bother to watch ESPN's "mock trial" of Pete Rose. In case you missed it too, the 12 person "jury" voted 8-4 to allow Rose into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
As for me, I've changed my mind a few times. As a college senior in 1989, I was all about giving Rose a free pass when it came to whatever he might have done. After all, he was the prime example of how a player of limited ability could overcome his limitations and become one of the greats. And he did it all with guts and grit.
Characters like that make you want to forgive. But as I made the long march to my 30s, my feelings for Rose gradually grew colder. After all, I'd hear plenty of excuses about "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, but few seemed to care about getting him admitted to the Hall pothtumously. And betting on Baseball is the singularly most damaging act anyone involved in the game can commit. There is simply nothing else a player could do to more seriously undermine the game.
For a time some months ago, in the midst of Rose's negotiations with Bud Selig over a potential reinstatement, I seemed to settle on this solution: as long as Rose would admit to gambling and apologize, the Baseball writers ought to consider him for inclusion in the Hall. However, given his history of gambling, Rose should be permanently banned from ever holding a job in Major League Baseball ever again. The risk that he might have a relapse and compromise the integrity of the game is simply too great. Further, if he does manage to get elected (not exactly a sure thing, and time is running out for him), his plaque ought to include an explanation of his banishment from the game.
But after this latest round of televised silliness, I've felt my position harden once more. Rather than continuing to consider Rose for reinstatement back into Baseball, I think it's time for the Hall of Fame to create a permanent exhibit examining Rose's career in its totality: everything he achieved on the field combined with the issues surrounding Rose's gambling problem, and the late Baseball Commissioner Bart Giamatti's actions to eject Rose from Baseball permanently.
That way, Rose's achievements on the field (which, in an historical context ought not be ignored by a museum like the Hall) will be recognized, along with an explanation as to why the individual who did so much with so little raw talent would never been enshrined alongside his peers.
POSTSCRIPT: John Jackson of the Chicago Sun-Times actually liked ESPN's three-hour broadcast.
My feelings exactly, Eric. Except for maybe where you suggest his election to the Hall might not be a sure thing. I think if he becomes eligible, it’s a lock. Even with the veterans.
now that pete rose has admitted the truth, will all of the media and critics and pundits who publicly stated that “pete should come clean and be considered for the hall” go back on thier words and sit back and laugh and say, “jeeze, what dummy, he actually admitted it!”
I think pete belongs in the hall, on the field, and managing a team eventually. I hope these people realize that pete did just what theyve been telling him to do for 14 years, and be honorable men.
thanks
r