Pete Rose Chimes In...

Anytime Pete Rose chimes in you have to temper it for what it is; it's merely a call for attention to himself.

Pete Rose was certainly one of the greatest players of the game, but he broke the most important rule (at least in legacy of the game): gambling. And, he lied about it. He lied about it so much that the fickle American public began to warm up to the idea that he should be considered for the Hall of Fame. Even I was caught up in that argument for a time, convinced that he might be wronged for being excluded from the game.

Yet, Pete Rose shows his character, time and time again.

In context of history, Pete Rose seems aloof over the precedence of his actions. Let's face it, until we see Shoeless Joe Jackson being reinstated, I can't in good conscious even begin to consider Pete Rose who admitted to his actions (Shoeless Joe's actions are certainly questionable as he played extremely well in the 1919 World Series). Kennesaw Mountain Landis made it very clear: the worst thing you can do is be involved with gambling in baseball. Players and managers are always aware of this. As an aside, if you have a chance to read the book Eight Men Out (1963) by Eliot Asinof, you should. It's far better than the movie for which the book was based. Today, in each clubhouse, there is a notice posted to remind players that there is no gambling. In other words, baseball is not forgiving of anything which tarnishes the integrity of the game.

Pete Rose, in an interview with Dennis Miller, is attempting to whitewash his actions in context of the contemporary. He notes that players using performance enhancing drugs are "making a mockery" of baseball and of course he spins this whole episode right back to himself: "I never thought anybody would make me look like an altar boy." And, I love this quote: "If you're going to put these guys that supposedly did steroid into the Hall of Fame, I mean I've got to get a shot somewhere."

So here we have classic Pete Rose, positioning himself once again as an angel. We also see the narcissism that ultimately plagues this guy's character. He has no idea where he fits in with the history of the game nor where he fits in with the issue at hand. The old adage "Two wrongs don't make a right" is quite fitting here. I suggest that every fan needs to consider this carefully before they jump on the "let's forgive Pete" bandwagon: each action that destroys the reputation of the game needs to be considered carefully within the context of history. Sorry Pete, but you goofed and you have not been contrite at all about it.

Gambling was illegal before 1919. Landis issued his ruling with that in mind. Steroids and HGH were not illegal throughout all of the time frame that the Mitchell Report examined. Baseball had a precedent regarding gambling well before Pete Rose decided to gamble on his team that he was managing and every player understands what gambling does to the integrity of the game. Players using HGH to recover from an injury or being persuaded to use it because a trainer suggests it will help recover from an injury is far more forgiving. Andro was not illegal until 2004. The bottom line: Pete Rose is no altar boy, even in context of today's steroid era.

I readily admit Pete Rose was a phenomenonal player, but he committed an egregious act in baseball. He does not deserve reinstatement - and that is what he is trying to position himself for in this interview - nor should anyone even feel sorry for this guy. Pete Rose understands that reinstatement opens the door to money.

The main reason I do not feel sorry for Pete Rose is his lack of contrition. And I understand baseball history. I tell you what, Pete, if you successfully lobby for the reinstatement of Shoeless Joe Jackson and Buck Weaver, I'll be happy to reconsider my position. Until then, you'll just have to live on as a statistical legend who will not be enshrined in the hallow Hall of Fame.