US President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to grant a posthumous pardon to controversial baseball legend Pete Rose, rekindling debate over whether he should be inducted into the sport’s Hall of Fame.
Pete Rose, nicknamed “Charlie Hustle,” is recognised as one of the greatest players in baseball history. During his 24 seasons in the Major Leagues, he set impressive records, including most home runs (4,256) and games played (3,562). He was selected to the All-Star Game 17 times and won the MLB championship three times. In 1973, he was even named MVP of the championship.
However, his career was marred by a major scandal. In 1989, while he was manager of the Cincinnati Reds, an investigation revealed that he had bet on his team’s games, leading to his lifelong ban from professional baseball. The ban also prevented him from being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his outstanding performances on the field.
Petition from his family
He died last September, but his name has been resurfacing for a few days due to a post on Donald Trump’s social networks. The American president announced on his social network “Truth Social” his intention to pardon Pete Rose. “In the coming weeks, I will be signing a full pardon for Pete Rose, who should not have bet on baseball, but only bet on his team to win,” the politician defended. “He never bet against himself or the other team.” The politician criticised Major League Baseball (MLB) for not having “the courage or decency” to induct Rose during his lifetime.
The announcement comes as Rose’s family recently filed a petition with MLB boss Rob Manfred to have his ineligibility lifted posthumously. A meeting between Rose’s family and Manfred took place in December 2024, followed by the official filing of the petition in January 2025. Manfred confirmed that he is reviewing the request, raising the unprecedented question of whether permanent ineligibility should continue after the individual’s death.
Symbolic grace
Trump’s proposed pardon, while symbolic, would not directly impact Rose’s Hall of Fame eligibility. The president’s pardon power is for federal offenses, and Rose has never been charged with his baseball betting. However, in 1990, he was sentenced to five months in prison for tax evasion, a separate case from his gambling activities.
But as with many issues, Donald Trump can always be counted on to stir up controversy. Since his announcement on social media, the debate has been reignited over Pete Rose’s eligibility (or not).
4,256 home runs! Wow, that’s a record by, well, quite a few I believe. Instead of the Hall of Fame, Chuck Hustle should have his own Hall built for this. Clearly the best baseball player in the history of the known universe. I’d bet on it.