Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Yankees Great Reggie Jackson Says Hall of Fame Should Include PED Players

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kristie Ackert | Last updated May 14, 2025 4:53 PM ET

Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson thinks it’s time to open the doors. After MLB recently decided to remove Pete Rose and other deceased players from the league’s permanently ineligible list, Jackson not only said Rose should be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, but he thinks users of performance-enhancing drugs are already in there, and they should be too.

In an interview with The Athletic, Jackson stated, "There is no doubt: Pete Rose gets in. There’s already steroid users in the Hall of Fame. They should be put in the Hall of Fame, and just like Pete, when Pete goes in the Hall of Fame, his ban is over and if you want to tell his story, and you have a true story, then tell it and put them in the Hall of Fame."

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred’s policy change opens the door for Rose's potential enshrinement in Cooperstown.

Rose, MLB's all-time hits leader, was banned in 1989 for betting on baseball games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Despite his death in September 2024 at age 83, the recent policy shift by Manfred allows for the posthumous consideration of previously banned players for Hall of Fame induction.

Jackson's comments highlight the ongoing debate about the Hall of Fame's criteria, especially concerning players linked to gambling and performance-enhancing drugs. His stance suggests a move towards acknowledging the complex histories of baseball's most controversial figures while preserving the integrity of the sport's legacy.

Jackson’s sentiment of allowing PED users into the Hall of Fame may be a boost for Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez, who has Hall of Fame numbers but has been linked to PED use repeatedly. It could also help home run King Barry Bonds, who has never tested positive for PEDs, but has been strongly linked to them.

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

More must-reads: