Dodgers-A's dugout dichotomy shows chasm of opinions with Pete Rose reinstatement

LOS ANGELES — Even after he was reinstated by Major League Baseball, it's clear that many of the current players (and even a manager) are uncomfortable talking about Pete Rose and what his legacy in the game might really be.

There is little doubt that Rose was one of the best hitters to ever take the field. However, there is also little doubt that his off-the-field actions are as well known as any hit numbers he put up during his 24-year MLB career. From a gambling scandal to questions over statutory rape accusations, Rose's legacy is indeed a checkered one.

It's also one that feels like a divisive topic when talking to members of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Oakland A's before Tuesday's series opener at Chavez Ravine. When asked, multiple players gave a "no comment" or didn't want to share their opinions on the reinstatement of Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson and other previously banned players, many of whom were part of the 1919 Chicago White Sox World Series betting scandal.

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts also skirted the topic when asked about it in his pregame media session.

"I honestly haven't spent a whole lot of time trying to follow this one," Roberts said. "I do support the commissioner in whatever decision he made. I don't have a vote, so I'm not going to chime in."

Roberts, who played for 10 seasons before eventually becoming a manager for one game with the San Diego Padres and is now in his 10th season overseeing the Dodgers, took the side of his employer when pressed on the Rose subject.

"It didn't affect the Dodgers, so no," he said when asked if he had an opinion on the subject before Tuesday's decision.

A's manager Mark Kotsay, however, took a stronger stand before Tuesday's game.

"You know, in my own opinion, I think everyone deserves a second opportunity, a second chance," said Kotsay, who played for 17 seasons before taking over the A's as manager before the 2022 season. "Pete was one of the best baseball players of all time, and obviously, the statistics support that. I think it's a very kind gesture by Major League Baseball to take those guys off of that list."

The rift between comments from the opposing dugouts reflects what many baseball fans are feeling. While many are ready to celebrate Rose the baseball player finally getting his due, there are reservations about Rose the person being potentially included in Cooperstown.

However, the National Baseball Hall of Fame is a place where personalities have meant little in the past. Look back through some of the backgrounds of great players of previous generations and you will find actions that may make you uncomfortable. However, those players (and their pasts) are enshrined forever among baseball's immortals.

While Tuesday involved reinstatement, Rose, Jackson and the others still may never see their plaques hung in Cooperstown. Per a statement from Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark, there are still hurdles (and time) to overcome before any kind of inclusion.

"The Historical Overview Committee will develop the ballot of eight names for the Classic Baseball Era Committee — which evaluates candidates who made their greatest impact on the game prior to 1980 — to vote on when it meets next in December 2027," Clark said in the statement.

More than two years from now, it will be interesting to see if the views on Rose, Jackson and others have changed. However, it was clear on Tuesday night at Chavez Ravine that some in the game still aren't comfortable coming to grips with publicly welcoming Rose and others back with open arms.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.