MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said President Donald Trump had an influence on the decision to remove Pete Rose from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. With no major votes are expected to take place at this week’s quarterly MLB owners meetings in New York, Manfred discussed Trump’s influence on Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson’s reinstatement, the automated ball-strike (ABS) system and more on Wednesday. Trump’s influence on Pete Rose decision Last month, MLB announced Rose and Jackson were among a list of players reinstated from baseball’s permanently ineligible list. Rose, who died last year, was banned in 1989 for accusations of gambling on the game as a player and manager. 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. “(President Trump) was one of a number of voices that was supportive of the idea that this was the right decision,” Manfred said at the owners’ meeting, per the Associated Press. “Obviously, I have respect for the office and the advice that he gave I paid attention to, but I had a lot of other people that were weighing in on the topic, as well.” Trump had been vocal about his disapproval of the ban and his belief that Rose should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame as the leader for games played (3,562) and hits (4,256). “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 before the decision was announced. The removal from baseball’s permanently ineligible list means Rose can now be considered for election into the Hall of Fame. Automated ball-strike challenge system Manfred – who’s spoken previously about his hope of bringing the automatic ball-strike (ABS) challenge system to the majors – reiterated his plans, with an eye on the 2026 season, according to The Athletic’s Evan Drellich. Since its implementation in the minor leagues, the pitch calling challenge system was trialed in spring training to explore its suitability for full-time use in the majors. Manfred believes the response from teams was positive. However, he wants to make sure players, managers and umpires remain part of the conversation. “My single biggest concern is working through the process and deploying it in a way that’s acceptable to the players,” Manfred said, per MLB.com. “I want them to feel like we respected the committee process, and that there was a full airing of concerns about the system and an attempt to address those concerns before we go forward.” The commissioner noted a similar experiment in the minors testing a check swing challenge system is further from possible implementation. “We haven’t made a decision about the check swing thing,” Manfred said. “We do try to think sequentially about what’s coming out. I think we’ve got to get over the hump in terms of either doing ABS or not doing it before you’d get into the complication of a separate kind of challenge involved in an at-bat.” Other topics on the agenda Manfred and the owners also discussed media rights, improved viewership and attendance figures and Tropicana Field’s re-opening. Tropicana Field, the home of the Tampa Bay Rays, incurred significant damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton last year. The Rays have been playing home games this season at the New York Yankees’ spring training stadium, Steinbrenner Field. “The big contingency is what happens with hurricane season. There’s not much you can do about that other than keep your fingers crossed. But we are hopeful that we’ll get it ready for Opening Day ’26,” Manfred said regarding the construction timeline.
Trump helped influence Pete Rose reinstatement, says MLB commissioner
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"MLB Commissioner Manfred Reveals Trump's Influence on Pete Rose Reinstatement Decision"
CNN
7.4
TruthLens AI Summary
In a recent discussion regarding Major League Baseball (MLB) policies, Commissioner Rob Manfred revealed that former President Donald Trump played a role in the decision to remove Pete Rose from the league's permanently ineligible list. Rose, who passed away last year, was banned from baseball in 1989 due to gambling allegations while serving as both a player and manager. His admission of betting on games, including those of the Cincinnati Reds, has long overshadowed his remarkable achievements in the sport, including holding the record for the most hits and games played. Manfred acknowledged that Trump was among several influential voices advocating for Rose's reinstatement, emphasizing that he valued the perspectives offered to him, including Trump's strong belief that Rose deserved a place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. In a statement made on Truth Social, Trump lamented that Rose would never have the chance to experience the honor of being inducted while alive, highlighting the divide between public opinion and MLB's previous stance on the ban.
In addition to discussing Rose's reinstatement, Manfred also addressed other topics at the MLB owners' meetings, including the potential implementation of an automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system. Manfred expressed optimism about introducing this technology by the 2026 season, following positive feedback from its trials in the minor leagues. He stressed the importance of engaging players, managers, and umpires in the decision-making process to ensure that their concerns are addressed before any changes are made. Furthermore, the commissioner touched on various topics including media rights, attendance improvements, and the ongoing repairs to Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays, which sustained damage from recent hurricanes. Manfred conveyed hope that the stadium would be ready for the Opening Day in 2026, while acknowledging the unpredictability of future hurricane seasons as a significant factor in the timeline for repairs.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents a significant development in Major League Baseball (MLB) regarding the reinstatement of Pete Rose, influenced by former President Donald Trump. This situation intertwines sports, politics, and public sentiment, reflecting how influential figures can sway decisions in unexpected ways.
Influence of Political Figures on Sports Decisions
The MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's admission of Trump's influence on the reinstatement of Pete Rose raises questions about the intersection of politics and sports. Trump's vocal support for Rose, a baseball legend banned for gambling, illustrates how high-profile endorsements can impact institutional decisions. This influence suggests that the reinstatement process may not be purely based on merit but rather on external pressures and public opinion.
Public Sentiment and Hall of Fame Controversy
The article indicates a broader public sentiment that supports Rose's inclusion in the Hall of Fame. Trump's comments, emphasizing Rose's statistical achievements and criticizing the ban, resonate with fans who believe that his gambling should not overshadow his contributions to baseball. This sentiment can mobilize fans and potentially influence MLB's future decisions regarding player eligibility and Hall of Fame induction.
Potential Concealment of Broader Issues
While the article primarily focuses on the reinstatement of Rose and Trump's involvement, it may conceal underlying tensions within MLB regarding gambling, player conduct, and the integrity of the game. The discussion could serve as a distraction from other pressing issues within the league, such as ongoing debates about player treatment and the impact of gambling on sports integrity.
Manipulative Aspects of the Reporting
There are elements in the narrative that suggest a degree of manipulation. The framing of Trump's involvement as a pivotal factor might be aimed at garnering attention or support from his political base. By highlighting Trump's endorsement, the article could be attempting to create a narrative that aligns Rose's situation with broader cultural or political movements, potentially polarizing public opinion.
Comparison with Other News
In comparison to other sports news, this article stands out due to its political undertones. Other reports may focus solely on athletic performance or game outcomes without intertwining them with political figures. This unique angle could suggest a trend where sports stories increasingly intersect with political narratives, reflecting the current climate of media coverage.
Impact on Society and Politics
The implications of this reinstatement could be significant for both society and politics. It may embolden discussions about gambling in sports, influencing legislation or public opinion around similar topics. Additionally, as political figures become more involved in sports narratives, this could lead to increased political engagement among sports fans, reshaping the dynamics of fan interactions and civic involvement.
Target Audience and Support Base
This news likely appeals to both sports enthusiasts and Trump's supporters who value his influence in various domains. The article could resonate particularly with audiences who feel that athletes should be judged by their contributions rather than their personal conduct, aligning with a more lenient view on gambling.
Economic and Market Implications
While the article itself may not directly impact stock markets, it reflects sentiments that could influence MLB team valuations and related businesses. Teams with strong connections to fan bases supporting Rose may see increased merchandise sales and attendance as public sentiment shifts favorably.
Global Power Dynamics and Relevance
Although the reinstatement of Rose is primarily a national issue, it exemplifies how sports narratives can intersect with global perceptions of leadership and integrity. This reflects a cultural moment where sports figures and politicians often share platforms, influencing broader societal dialogues.
The writing style of the article does not strongly suggest the use of AI, although certain phrases could reflect algorithmic tendencies in news reporting. The focus on key figures and the framing of decisions may indicate a structured approach to news delivery typical of automated systems.
In conclusion, the article's reliability can be assessed as moderate, given the potential biases introduced by Trump's influence and the framing of the narrative. The story highlights a significant event in sports but also invites scrutiny regarding the motivations behind the reinstatement and the political implications it carries.