CLARK COUNTY, NV — Major League Baseball's All-time Hit Leader and "should be" Hall of Famer, Pete Rose, has died. He was 83. Known as "Charlie Hustle" for his relentless style of play, Rose's remarkable career was later overshadowed by his lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling.
Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County, Nevada, confirmed that Rose was found by a family member on Monday. Although the cause of death has yet to be determined, there were no signs of foul play, according to authorities. Rose had made a public appearance over the weekend at an autograph show in Nashville alongside former Cincinnati Reds teammates.
Rose’s career was filled with extraordinary accomplishments, including 17 All-Star appearances, three World Series championships, and a National League MVP award. He holds the record for most career hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and plate appearances (15,890). Rose was the driving force behind the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" dynasty in the mid-1970s, leading the team to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976.
Despite being banned from baseball in 1989 for betting on games, Rose's influence on the sport remains indelible. MLB issued a statement recognizing his "greatness, grit, and determination on the field," while Reds owner Bob Castellini called him "one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen."
Former Reds teammates, including Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, paid tribute to Rose. "My heart is sad," Bench said. "You made all of us better. No one can replace you." The Reds also shared their sorrow in a statement, saying they are "heartbroken" by Rose's passing.
Pete Rose
(Credit: si.com)
For those of us who were not old enough to see Rose play, or even coach for that matter, what he represented was a cornerstone for all ball players from little league to the majors. He was one of the original tough guys in baseball. The player on the field worked harder than anyone else, no matter the score. His work ethic and passion for the game inspired too many to count and his legacy will not be forgotten. His iconic "head first slide" still gives mothers across the country heart palpitations when they see their little boys try to emulate it. It's the "cool" way to slide, and no one can convince them otherwise.
Due to the gambling scandal, Rose never reached the MLB Hall of Fame. Many believe that he should be in to this day, and maybe now that he has passed, the MLB will finally recognize the league's all-time leader in hits and icons of the sport.
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