Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds icon and Major League Baseball’s all-time leading hitter, died on Monday at the age of 83.
The cause of his death has not been revealed, but Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, confirmed the death and said more information will be available following an investigation by the coroner, according to The Associated Press.
Rose put together an illustrious career during his 24 years in the MLB, walking away with 4,256 hits to become the league’s all-time leading hitter and becoming known as “Charlie Hustle” for his exciting style of play, per CNN.
His career also included winning two World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976 and one with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980, 17 selections to the National League’s All-Star team, and the Most Valuable Player award in 1973.
The MLB, which banished Rose from the league in 1989 for betting on games, wished condolences in a statement to his family and said Rose always played with “greatness, grit and determination on the field of play,” per the AP.
The MLB’s banishment of Rose came following reports in early 1989 that he bet on games throughout his playing career, resulting in an investigation that confirmed the allegations that Rose bet on games as both a player and manager in the late parts of his career, according to CNN.
Although Rose later admitted to betting on baseball during his professional career, he maintains that he “want[ed] to win every game” that he played in and never bet against his own team to win.
“I think what happens is you’re, at the time, you’re betting football and then what’s after football is basketball … and obviously the next thing that follows is baseball,” Rose explained in 2004, per ABC News. “It’s just a pattern that you got into.”
Many believed Rose should still be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame despite the allegations and admittance to betting on games, but these hopes seem unlikely due to a 1991 rule that permanently makes any player who bets on games ineligible for the accomplishment, per CNN.
Former President Donald Trump commented on Rose’s death and called for the MLB to disregard this rule and officially induct him into the Hall of Fame.
“He was one of the most magnificent baseball players ever to play the game. He paid the price! Major League Baseball should have allowed him into the Hall of Fame many years ago. Do it now, before his funeral! DJT,” wrote Trump on social media, per ESPN.
Ohio senator and Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance commented similarly on the death, writing that Rose was a “credit to Cincinnati, to the state of Ohio, and to everyone who loves America’s pastime.”
“My prayers are with his family at this difficult time. His passing is a reminder that legends live forever and that he belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Vance added, per The Washington Post.
