The baseball world is mourning the loss of Pete Rose, the legendary player known as ‘Charlie Hustle,’ who passed away at the age of 83 in Las Vegas. Rose, who was the MLB’s all-time hits leader, died on Monday, but the cause of his death has not been disclosed by his former team, the Cincinnati Reds.
Tributes have been pouring in for Rose, with many remembering his feisty and combative attitude on the field. Despite his controversial past, Rose’s passing has prompted an outpouring of heartfelt messages from former teammates, fans, and fellow baseball legends.
Former MLB player Alex Rodriguez expressed his sadness at Rose’s passing, saying that nobody loved baseball more than Pete. Cincinnati Reds President and CEO Bob Castellini also paid tribute to Rose, calling him a true Red who loved the game more than anyone.
Rose spent the majority of his career with the Cincinnati Reds, where he set records for most career hits and played in multiple All-Star games. His impact on the game was felt by many, including former teammate Mike Schmidt, who credited Rose with boosting his confidence and teaching him to enjoy the game.
One of the most touching tributes came from Hall of Famer Johnny Bench, who described Rose as someone who made everyone around him better. Despite his ban from baseball in 1989 due to gambling on games, Rose’s legacy as a player and mentor continues to be celebrated by those who knew him.
Over the years, there have been numerous appeals to have Rose reinstated into the MLB, but his ban has been upheld by three successive commissioners. Despite his gambling scandal, many believe that Rose’s contributions to the game should be recognized, with former player Jose Canseco advocating for his inclusion in the Hall of Fame.
In a documentary about his betting scandal, Rose revealed that the fallout cost him an estimated $100 million. Despite the financial and personal losses he faced, Rose’s love for the game of baseball never wavered, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and all those who knew him.
Overall, Pete Rose’s passing has left a void in the baseball community, but his legacy as a player, mentor, and friend will continue to be remembered and cherished by those who were fortunate enough to know him.