For the last few years, I've been of the opinion that Rose deserved enshrinement in the Hall of Fame, regardless of his past, but that he should not be eligible for employment in baseball. Maybe I still feel that way. His numbers are certainly indisputable: .303 batting average, 4,256 hits (#1 all-time), #1 all-time in games and at-bats, 5,752 total bases (#6 all-time), 2,165 runs (#5 all-time), 746 doubles (#2 all-time), 5,929 times on base (#1 all-time), 3 batting titles, 1 MVP and 10 top ten MVP finishes, a World Series MVP, 2 Gold Gloves, and 17 All-Star appearances. Definitely worthy of the Hall. And, as Deacon Blues argued, "It's the Hall of Fame, not the Hall of Moral Uprightness." The latest news, however, is just unacceptable.
It's one thing to commit a crime, cheat, or otherwise break the rules. But to lie about it for almost 15 years is quite another. And it's not as though he avoided the issue for that time - in interview after interview Pete emphatically denied betting on baseball in any way. That record seems far worse than any betting of any kind he might have done.
Now Rose has a book coming out that includes his confession. As a reult of the book and the confession, he's been even more visible in the press of late. I've heard several sound bites in which he argues that he "made a mistake", he "wishes the whole thing never happened", and "don't people deserve second chances?" The answer to the last question is yes. Many times people do deserve second chances. But is this one of them? At this time, I don't think so.
Had the matter remained a mystery, that is, Pete keeps denying it despite strong evidence, with no further investigation, then give him the Hall and call it a day. Had the event really ended in 1989, this might be a different matter. But in truth, the issue that began in 1988, has just now ended in 2004. I could possibly be pursuaded by the Hall of Moral Uprightness argument, afterall there are plenty of scoundrels already in, but if I had a vote, I could not at this time vote for Rose.
Posted by at January 5, 2004 08:59 PMInteresting thoughts, I personally flip-flop in my mind often. I think that he has done no worse than a lot of people, while at the same time I like to think baseball is above the baseness of our society. It does take a lot of determined niaveity (sp?) to maintain the view expressed above, but at this point it seems to be at least an enjoyable course to take. Otherwise it's nice to see you're still out there making friends and influencing people.
Posted by: Mike Aman at January 6, 2004 04:24 PMGodd to hear from you, man. I hope you're out there influencing people too.
Posted by: the booth at January 6, 2004 07:29 PM