There is an ongoing raging debate regarding Pete Rose and whether, or not, he should be allowed into the Hall of Fame. Many fans are pushing for baseball, personified by Bud Selig, to allow Pete entry into the hallowed Hall. Many have attacked Selig and say he's holding a grudge against Pete because Bud blames him for the tragic death of his close friend, the late Commissioner of baseball, Bart Giamatti. The arguments have become more personal and angry as time has gone by since Pete was banned from the game.
Maybe everybody needs to relax and think this issue through clearly with an attempt at doing that with objectivity.
It is my view that Pete should not be allowed in and allow me to explain why.
Pete was one of the greatest players in history and, of course, broke Ty Cobb's record for most career hits. He was not a naturally gifted athlete and achieved much through hard work, extraordinary effort and deserved the nickname given to him: "Charlie Hustle." He was a fan favorite as he wasn't perceived as a prima donna by the public. He achieved his greatness while playing multiple positions during his career.
His playing resume is one that clearly translates into automatic entry to the hallowed Hall.
That said, there is still the problem of his violating baseball laws that go to the very heart of the sport. If a player bets on baseball games it impugns on the integrity of the game, for obvious reasons. Those of you who believe he didn't bet on games should read the Dowd Report, regarding Pete's case, very carefully. There are those who believe the Dowd Report didn't show any, or enough, evidence. Remember the kid who did something wrong in school and when confronted by the teacher, didn't deny it but instead, would exclaim "prove it?"
Let's apply some common sense.
Why would Baseball lie?
If your response to baseball's action is "they're out to get him," then I need to ask you another similar question:
"What could baseball possibly gain by keeping Pete Rose out of the Hall?"
"One of the game's greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts."- A. Bartlett Giamatti
Most people who knew Mr. Giamatti will be the first to say that they never met anyone with a greater love for the game. His numerous writings on the sport exhibit clear evidence about this infatuation. Wouldn't it have been infinitely easier for Bart to just "let it ride" and sweep it under the rug? Did he not choose the more difficult path in making his decision?
Shouldn't that tell us something?
I admired Pete the player but never had any positive feelings about him as a person. So what? If he deserves to go in, then he should be in! But if he has violated the rules, specifically those that clearly threaten the integrity of the game, then he should not be allowed in!
"I don't think Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because he was offered a chance to come clean and he didn't come clean. He has never really admitted that he did something wrong. He has never really come right out and said, "Yes, I'm guilty (of betting on baseball games in which he played and managed). And I'm just sorry for the whole thing."
- Monte Irvin
A personal word to Pete;
You have misjudged the American people to a greater extent than I ever thought possible. Americans are the most forgiving people on this earth. Take a good look at American history. We even rebuild our enemies after defeating them in a war which they started!
It's part of our inherent nature!
Do you have any doubts about the compassion of the American public?
Have you watched the compassion exhibited towards Daryl Strawberry? He is very ill and having difficulty dealing with it.
Do we excuse it? Do we condone it?
No!
But, still, we attempt to show him support that might help him overcome his life's demons.
Pete, all you had to do, right from the start, was say "I'm sorry, I made a mistake and did something wrong," or "I have a serious gambling problem and need help," and you would already be in the Hall, participating in a multitude of baseball activities as the legend you earned the right to be.
But I guess that would take character...
» Michael Rapaport is a free-lance writer who has written a book called "Dem Braves" which recounts the team's history since he became a fan in 1957. The book is under currently under consideration by a major publishing company. You can contact Michael at mmr11_2000@yahoo.com.
Also by Michael Rapaport
» How Good Are The Mariners?
» My All-Time Braves Team
» The New York Hype
» Where Do The Children Play?
» More submissions
Copyright © 2001 by Michael Rapaport. Posted July 20, 2001.
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