REINSTATED

BY MIKE RIFKIN

On Tuesday MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred released a statement reinstating several players including Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson. Manfred said in a statement “In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent eligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list. I want to emphasize that it is not part of my authority or responsibility to express any view concerning Mr. Rose’s consideration by or possible election to the Hall Of Fame. I agree with Commissioner Giamatti that responsibility for that decision lies with the Hall Of Fame.”

First, I have to give Manfred credit for something here, he immediately shifted the blame game to others when he could have just accepted what he did. But, he’s right it’s up to the Hall Of Fame to put Rose in the Hall. Now, when Rose retired he was the all time hit king, and some still view him as that. But, that’s not Rose’s only accolade, he was an accomplished baseball player. Rose won three World Series Championships, a World Series MVP, 1963 Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP, three batting titles, two gold gloves and was a 17 time All-Star. 

Rose’s accomplishments speak for themselves, but Rose was suspended for gambling on his own team when he was a manager. Now, when you watch a ballgame every commercial is about gambling, now that’s not condoning what Rose did but times have changed so much. 

But, like I said earlier the one thing Manfred said that was right was this is now in the hands of the Hall Of Fame, but I hope they realize that they can’t tell the story of baseball without Rose. But I also wish Manfred had reinstated Rose sooner, so he could eventually get his day in the sun in Cooperstown. Now, to the other thing: Does Rose getting in open the door for guys who used PEDS?  The answer to that is simple: no the two don’t go hand in hand and we can talk about PEDS another day, but now we have to see what happens next with the Rose situation.