Major League Baseball on Tuesday removed Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson – two of the sport’s most famous players who were previously kicked out of baseball for gambling on the game – from the league’s permanently ineligible list. The historic decision by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred allows Rose to be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, an honor that had been ruled out as part of the settlement he reached with Major League Baseball. Rose died in September, and Manfred ruled that his lifetime ban ended with his death. “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,” Manfred wrote. “Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Pete Rose, who holds the Major League Baseball record for hits and games played, died in September at the age of 83.Rose, a switch hitter who played multiple positions during his career, was a 17-time All-Star who won three World Series — two with the Cincinnati Reds in the 1970s and one with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980. The Reds teams he played for, which also included Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Tony Pérez, are considered some of the best to ever play the game.The hard-charging Rose, nicknamed “Charlie Hustle,” broke Ty Cobb’s 57-year-old hits record in 1985. He ended his career with 4,256 hits. After his playing career, Rose continued as manager of the Reds. In 1989, Rose was banned from baseball for life after an investigation concluded that he had bet on games while he was both a Reds player and manager.Over the years, Rose applied for reinstatement as well as possible inclusion into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While he was alive, his wish was never granted.On Tuesday, Major League Baseball removed Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson — another famous player who had been kicked out of baseball for gambling on the game — from the league’s permanently ineligible list. The historic decision by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred allows Rose to be considered for induction into the Hall of Fame. “Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.” Jackson was a member of the Chicago White Sox who were accused of conspiring with gamblers to lose the 1919 World Series on purpose. The Black Sox Scandal is among the most infamous in baseball history and Jackson, along with seven of his teammates, was banned for life from MLB by then-commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis. The eight members of the White Sox were acquitted of conspiring with gamblers in 1921 but nonetheless were forced away from the game. Rose, who passed away last year at the age of 83, holds the Major League Baseball record for the number of games played (3,562) and hits (4,256). ESPN was first to report the news and CNN has reached out to Rose’s family attorney for comment. After transitioning into a career as a manager, MLB revealed in the spring of 1989 that it was investigating Rose for gambling. Among the accusations was that he gambled on baseball games played by teams he either played for or managed. He later admitted to gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds and said in a 2007 radio interview that he bet on every Reds game while he as manager. In the final years of his life, Rose had attempted multiple times to get reinstated by the league and to be made eligible for induction into the Hall. He tried to get reinstated by the league in 2015 and 2020 but was denied. Rose’s reinstatement and eventual enshrinement were a cause championed by President Donald Trump, among others. Trump issued a posthumous pardon to Rose earlier this year – the Reds and Philadelphia Phillies player served time in federal prison for tax evasion charges in the early 1990s. “Major League Baseball didn’t have the courage or decency to put the late, great, Pete Rose, also known as ‘Charlie Hustle,’ into the Baseball Hall of fame. Now he is dead, will never experience the thrill of being selected, even though he was a FAR BETTER PLAYER than most of those who made it, and can only be named posthumously. WHAT A SHAME!,” Trump wrote on Truth Social in February. He added, “He never betted against himself, or the other team. He had the most hits, by far, in baseball history, and won more games than anyone in sports history. Baseball, which is dying all over the place, should get off its fat, lazy ass, and elect Pete Rose, even though far too late, into the Baseball Hall of Fame!” CNN has reached out to the White House for comment on Rose. In a statement, National Baseball Hall of Fame chairman of the board Jane Forbes Clark said that players removed from the permanently ineligible list are now able to be considered for enshrinement in Cooperstown, New York. “The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration. Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered,” the statement read. This is a breaking story and will be updated.
Pete Rose and ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson among players reinstated by MLB in historic decision
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"MLB Reinstates Pete Rose and 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, Allowing Hall of Fame Consideration"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Major League Baseball (MLB) has made a historic decision to remove Pete Rose and 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson from its permanently ineligible list, a move that allows Rose to be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This decision was announced by MLB commissioner Rob Manfred, who stated that Rose's lifetime ban ended with his death in September at the age of 83. Manfred argued that the purposes of Rule 21, which prohibits players from participating in gambling, are served once an individual passes away, as they can no longer pose a threat to the integrity of the game. Rose, famously known as 'Charlie Hustle,' holds the record for the most hits and games played in MLB history and was a significant figure in baseball, having played for the Cincinnati Reds and the Philadelphia Phillies, among others. His ban in 1989 followed an investigation that confirmed he had bet on games while managing the Reds, a claim he later admitted to in a 2007 interview. Despite multiple attempts for reinstatement during his life, Rose's efforts were unsuccessful until his posthumous removal from the ineligible list.
Alongside Rose, 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, a member of the infamous 1919 Chicago White Sox, was also reinstated. Jackson was banned for life after being accused of colluding with gamblers to fix the World Series, a scandal that has left a lasting mark on baseball history. Although he and his teammates were acquitted in 1921, they remained barred from the sport. This recent change by MLB aligns with the Hall of Fame's policy, which states that players removed from the ineligible list are eligible for induction. National Baseball Hall of Fame chairman Jane Forbes Clark emphasized that this decision opens the door for Rose and Jackson's candidacies to be considered. The announcement has already sparked conversations about the implications for baseball's legacy and the reputations of these two iconic players, with political figures like former President Donald Trump advocating for Rose's recognition during his lifetime, underscoring the ongoing debate about gambling and its impact on the sport.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The recent decision by Major League Baseball (MLB) to reinstate Pete Rose and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson marks a significant shift in the league's approach to its historical figures. This development not only opens the door for Rose's potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame but also reignites discussions surrounding integrity, punishment, and the legacies of these players.
Purpose of the Announcement
This decision appears to serve multiple purposes. It acknowledges the cultural and historical significance of Rose and Jackson within baseball while also responding to calls from fans and historians for a reevaluation of past punishments. The reinstatement of these players, particularly after Rose's passing, may also reflect a desire to promote a more inclusive narrative within the sport's history. By doing so, MLB may be attempting to repair its image and engage a wider audience.
Public Perception and Impact
The news is likely to generate a mixed public reaction. Supporters of Rose may view this as a long-overdue recognition of his contributions to the game, while critics might argue that it undermines the league's stance on gambling and integrity. The decision could reignite debates about the ethical implications of gambling in sports, particularly in light of the increasing acceptance of sports betting in various jurisdictions.
Potential Concealed Issues
While the focus is on Rose and Jackson, the timing of this announcement may divert attention from other ongoing issues within MLB, such as labor disputes, player safety concerns, or financial disparities among franchises. This could be a strategic move to shift the narrative and avoid scrutiny on these pressing matters.
Manipulative Elements
There is a potential for manipulation in how this story is framed. By focusing on the emotional weight of Rose's legacy and his recent death, the league may be attempting to garner public sympathy and support for a decision that could otherwise be controversial. The language used by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, emphasizing the "serving of purposes" and the "deterrent effect" of a lifetime ban, suggests an effort to rationalize this decision in a way that aligns with public sentiment.
Comparison with Other News
When compared to other sports news, this announcement stands out due to its historical implications and emotional resonance. Other current sports stories may involve player trades, injuries, or game outcomes, which do not carry the same weight of legacy and moral questioning. This unique angle positions the news in a way that elevates it beyond mere sports reporting to a discussion about ethics and history.
Potential Societal Impacts
The reinstatement could have broader implications for society, particularly in how we view redemption and legacy. It may inspire discussions about second chances in various fields beyond sports, influencing public opinion on issues like criminal justice or personal accountability. Economically, this decision could influence MLB's merchandise sales, fan engagement, and even the stock market if franchises see a boost in interest due to increased attendance and merchandise sales.
Community Support and Target Audience
This announcement is likely to resonate more with older baseball fans who have a nostalgic connection to Rose and Jackson. Younger fans may have a different perspective, shaped by contemporary discussions around ethics in sports. The MLB may be trying to bridge this generational gap by appealing to the emotional and historical significance of these players.
Market Impact
From a financial perspective, the reinstatement could impact stocks related to MLB teams and associated merchandise. Companies that cater to baseball fans or are involved in sports betting may see a shift in their stock performance as public interest in the sport fluctuates.
Global Context
While the focus is on MLB, the decision reflects broader trends in sports regarding gambling and integrity. The increasing normalization of sports betting in many regions could influence how organizations handle similar situations in the future. This is relevant in the context of today's discussions about the integrity of sports globally.
In conclusion, the reinstatement of Pete Rose and "Shoeless" Joe Jackson by MLB is a multifaceted decision that highlights the complexities of sports ethics and legacy. The announcement serves to intertwine historical significance with contemporary discussions about integrity and redemption, reflecting both the sport's past and its future direction.