"Everyone wants Pete to be part of the festivities since there would be no trophy in 1980 without him" - All-time MLB hits leader Pete Rose set to make appearance at Phillies alumni weekend despite lifetime ban
The Philadelphia Phillies announced that Pete Rose, Major League Baseball's all-time hit leader, will be part of their 1980 World Series alumni celebration on August 7. This will be Rose's first appearance on the field for the Phillies since his lifetime ban from baseball in 1989.
The announcement is a victory for one of baseball's greatest hitters, who has been banished from baseball after a string of scandals damaged his reputation. Rose played five seasons with the Phillies and was a key member of the 1980 World Series team that defeated the Kansas City Royals in six games.
The Phillies released a statement confirming Rose's attendance at the event:
"Everyone wants Pete to be part of the festivities since there would be no trophy in 1980 without him."
Pete Rose is a polarizing figure among baseball fans. This latest move by the Phillies organization has created some uproar in the baseball community.
The Phillies issued this statement regarding Pete Rose’s inclusion in the club’s alumni weekend ceremonies Aug. 5-7: https://t.co/OMAGw8uXne
"The Phillies issued this statement regarding Pete Rose’s inclusion in the club’s alumni weekend ceremonies Aug. 5-7:" - Matt Gleb
Rose was banned from baseball after an investigation concluded that he bet on games. Some fans believe he tarnished the integrity of the game by his actions. Since 1989, he has been ostracized by certain members of the baseball community.
On the field, however, Rose was a tiger. Players nicknamed him "Charlie Hustle" due to his boisterous and gutsy style of play. For Rose, every game was played like the seventh game of the World Series. The 17-time All-Star was not always liked by opposing players, but teammates praised his efforts and gusto on the field.
Pete Rose was a part of the "Big Red Machine" Cincinnati Reds team that dominated the 1970s
Rose was part of the Cincinnati Reds "Big Red Machine" team that consisted of Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, and Joe Morgan. The team dominated the National League in the 1970s and went to four World Series, winning it all in 1975 and 1976. The 1975 World Series against the Boston Red Sox is considered by many baseball savants to be the greatest ever played.
The infamous infielder still holds a number of MLB records, most notably the all-time hit record of 4,256 total hits. He also holds the record for most career singles (3,215), most games played (3,562), and most at-bats (14,053).
The Phillies had to ask for special permission from the commissioner's office to invite Rose to the event.
Larry Bowa said on the Phillies telecast that Pete Rose will be a part of the Phillies Alumni Weekend celebration of the 1980 World Championship team Sunday August 7.
The baseball world is divided when it comes to Rose. Many believe Rose should have already been inducted into baseball's Hall of Fame based on his record-shattering numbers. For others, his off-field antics, which many believe compromised the integrity of the game, will never be forgotten.
Rose will accompany members of the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies on the team's alumni weekend. Let's not forget that this was the franchise's first ever World Series. It will be a massive occasion for Phillies fans and Rose alike.