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Pete Rose's Most Famous Team Celebrated His Reinstatement on Wednesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Eric W. Bolin | Last updated May 15, 2025 12:03 AM ET

The reinstatement of Pete Rose to Major League Baseball's eligibility list may be controversial in most circles. But in Cincinnati, it was time for celebration.

One day after MLB commissioner removed Rose from its permanent ineligibility list, the Cincinnati Reds celebrated their icon before and during the team's game against the Chicago White Sox. The organization held a pre-game moment of silence and students from Rose's high-school alma mater performed the national anthem.

Reds legends Barry Larkin and Eric Davis, both whom played for Rose when he managed Cincinnati, were joined by Rose's former teammates George Foster and Terry Francona, who currently manages the Reds, all shared stories.

"He played baseball with as much passion and competitive enjoyment as you ever could," Francona said. "You wanted to be on his team."

Rose, a 17-time All-Star, remains the all-time hits leader in MLB history. He was banned from baseball in 1989 after an investigation determined he repeatedly bet on the Reds as both a player and manager. Rose remained a hero in his home town, the same place he played a majority of his career.

Reds relieve Brent Suter, a native of Cincinnati, as well, recalled hearing stories from his father about Rose.

"Never took a play off, always was running hard 90 (feet), sliding headfirst, you know, getting dirty every game," Suter said. This was a guy who just embodied toughness, grit."

The re-instatement means Rose is eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The Classic Baseball Era committee next meets in 2027 and will determine his status at that time. Rose needs 75% of the votes from the panel's 16 members.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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