The baseball world is mourning the loss of one of its greatest players, as Pete Rose, former Cincinnati Reds star and baseball legend, passed away this week at the age of 83. Throughout his illustrious career, Rose earned an incredible 17 All-Star selections, cementing his place as one of the sport’s most decorated players.
A three-time World Series champion, Rose remains Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in hits with 4,256, and games played with 3,562. Despite his record-breaking achievements and undeniable impact on the sport, Rose was notably excluded from the Baseball Hall of Fame due to a scandal involving his gambling on games, both as a player and manager for the Reds. The decision to bar him from the Hall of Fame remains one of the most debated controversies in sports history.
On Tuesday evening, former President Donald Trump weighed in on Rose’s passing, sharing his thoughts on both Rose’s legacy and his continued exclusion from the Hall of Fame. Taking to social media platform X, Trump not only praised Rose’s contributions to baseball but also urged the Hall of Fame to reconsider their stance.
“The GREAT Pete Rose just died,” Trump wrote. “He was one of the most magnificent baseball players ever to play the game. He paid the price! Major League Baseball should have allowed him into the Hall of Fame many years ago. Do it now, before his funeral! DJT.”
RELATED: Cause of Pete Rose’s Death Revealed
Trump’s comments echo the sentiments of many baseball fans who believe Rose has more than earned his place in Cooperstown despite his past mistakes. For decades, fans across the country have advocated for Rose’s induction, citing his unrivaled accomplishments on the field and his passion for the game.
Though Rose’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame continues to be a divisive topic, Major League Baseball and the broader community have expressed their sorrow over his passing. In a statement, MLB acknowledged Rose’s impact on the game and offered condolences to his family, friends, and fans.
“Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Rose’s family, his friends across the game, and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and beyond who admired his greatness, grit, and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace,” MLB said.
Earlier on Tuesday, the Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Nevada confirmed the cause of Rose’s death, revealing that he passed away from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
As the sports world reflects on Rose’s remarkable legacy, the debate over his place in the Hall of Fame is likely to intensify once again. While some still believe that his actions off the field warrant his continued exclusion, others, like Trump, argue that Rose has already paid the price for his mistakes and deserves to be honored for his extraordinary achievements.
Our thoughts are with Rose’s family, friends, and all those who admired his talent, drive, and enduring influence on baseball.
