Pete Rose. NYT (share link). ESPN. MLB.
As everyone knows, I am not a baseball fan. And if I was a baseball fan, I would be pulling for the Astros, Rangers, or Indians Guardians.
But I’ve always felt a little sorry for Pete Rose. He did pretty much the worst thing you can do in baseball, and what happened to him is a result of his own actions. But I think he probably got crapped on more than he deserved, and I kind of wish people had shown him a bit more compassion. The ban from baseball was an appropriate response, but maybe he didn’t deserve to be a pariah and the butt of jokes.
I know that Pete broke the rules, which he did on purpose. But it did seem like a personal vendetta or something for the league to not have him in the HOF as probably the greatest pure hitter of all time.
MLB could have used him as an example while still recognizing his great on the field efforts. Done correctly they may have even gained more fans. Instead they chose to try and erase him from the game completely, an action based on what looks to be a personal vendetta.
May Pete RIP knowing that those of us who saw him play still know the difference between on field actions and off field actions. Perhaps when I become perfect I may have a different opinion. Until.that day co.we I will have to be content with the knowledge that Pete Rise was the best bitter to ever play the game.
I wonder if part of the personal vendetta is that people blame Pete Rose for Bart Giamatti’s death.
Other than that, I agree with you 100%. But apparently, Screaming A. Smith agrees with me, too, so now I’m doubting myself.