Now that there is nearly 25 years since Pete Rose was banned from all activities to do with Major League Baseball, is it time to revisit this lifetime ban? There has been lots of discussion on many different shows. The view points vary from yes, no and who cares. Well, for my readers (and myself), I have an opinion.
I grew up playing and watching baseball. For me, Pete Rose was one of the players that most kids grew up wanting to be like. Many of my coaches would get us to try and copy Charlie Hustle, Pete Rose. Early on, I was made to bat left handed, because my swing was more natural that way. I used to watch games of Pete and try my best to copy his swing. I was a good spray hitter to all parts of the field. I wanted to make sure that my play between the lines was all out hustle, all the time.
As a kid, I did not know of the gambling problems that Pete was facing during his time as a player. Many reports later, showed that Pete always had a problem with gambling. I guess the same could be said for many professional athletes later as well… But when Pete Rose was managing and he would bet on baseball – that went too far. When he bet on his Reds, it was always to win… Problem, to me, is he did not bet every game the Reds played… Did he manage differently depending if money was or was not on the team? Who knows, it was wrong (and against the rules)! He was banned for life.
Should Pete Rose be let back into baseball some 25 years later? He was extremely slow to stand up and say he did what everyone knew. He really has not admitted to his problem. When it really started and how bad it really was. Pete has pointed out that wife beaters, drug offenders and now the PED users have been given a second chance. Why not him? Definitely a good point to bring up.
I don’t think we need to bring that point up. America has given second chances to lot of rule breakers. We don’t usually forgive them, but we do give them a second chance. I truly believe that Pete Rose needs to be given a second chance. He needs to have his ban from baseball lifted. 25 years is enough time to take something that meant so much to a person away. Give baseball back to Pete Rose. Fans will either welcome him or not.
What are your thoughts?
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