Legendary Baseball Star Pete Rose Passes Away at 83

Undoubtedly, baseball fans have heard the name of Pete Rose, the legendary Cincinnati Reds player who was also popular with his nickname, “Charlie Hustle.” The iconic baseball star who had his career tarnished over gambling on the game he loved, has made his way into the hearts of many fans across the country.

On Monday this week, the baseball legend who was denied entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame due to his gambling, passed away at the age of 83. Confirmation about the famous player’s passing came from his team, the Cincinnati Reds.

Baseball Loses a Legendary Player and Beloved Star

Rose’s best moments in baseball came during the 1970s and 1980s. Throughout his career, he scored many memorable achievements, including being the all-time MLB leader in hits with his 4,256 record that stands today. Moreover, Rose was a 17-time All-Star, won three batting titles from 1968, 1969 and 1973, as well as three World Series, two of which from 1975 and 1976 with the Reds and one with the Phillies from 1980.

Rose also won the NL Rookie of the Year Award in 1963, was recognized as an MVP in the 1975 World Series, won two Gold Glove Awards in 1969 and 1970, as well as the National League Most Valuable Player Award in 1973. Back in 2016, Rose was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame. Despite his achievements, he did not make it to the Baseball Hall of Fame due to gambling-related offenses that smeared his successful career.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete’s passing.“

Bob Castellini, principal owner and managing partner of the Cincinnati Reds

Bob Castellini, the Reds’ principal owner and managing partner, revealed that the team is sad about the news about Rose’s passing. Castellini spoke about Rose, explaining that he was “one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen, and every team he played for was better because of him.”

Gambling Tarnished the Star’s Baseball Career

Rose’s rise to fame came along with gambling-related allegations, including claims that he placed bets on Reds games. In light of those accusations, an investigation into the famous baseball player’s actions was launched back in 1989.

Not unexpectedly, Rose defended himself and vehemently denied the accusations. A column released by ESPN quoted the legendary player who once said: “I would rather die than lose a baseball game. I hate to lose. There is no temptation on the planet Earth that could ever get me to fix a game – none – end of story.”

Later in the same year, the investigation was launched, Rose was banned from baseball. After that, he was also deemed ineligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Subsequently, Rose claimed that he only gambled on other sports, maintaining the story that he hasn’t wagered on baseball or his team. During that time, he likely hoped that he could return to his passion, baseball.

More than a decade later, in 2002, he finally admitted to placing bets on baseball. Although Rose admitted to his mistakes and even spent several months in prison over a false tax return, he was never given a second chance to return to his favorite sport.