The baseball world is in mourning as news breaks of the passing of Pete Rose, a name synonymous with both legendary achievements on the field and a lifetime ban from the sport he loved. At the age of 83, Rose, often referred to as “Charlie Hustle,” has died, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to be debated and remembered by fans and critics alike. The medical examiner in Clark County, Nevada, confirmed to ABC News on Monday that Pete Rose died at his home.
Rose was discovered at his residence by a family member. According to the medical examiner, there were no indications of foul play.
Outfielder Pete Rose #14 of the Cincinnati Reds acknowledges the fans after surpassing Ty Cobb’s record with his 4192nd hit against the San Diego Padres on September 11, 1985.
The medical examiner’s office further clarified to ABC News on Tuesday that Rose’s death was due to natural causes, specifically hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, with diabetes mellitus as a significant contributing factor. It was also noted that Rose was not under medical care at the time of his death, and the scene was examined as a standard procedure.
ABC News has reached out to Pete Rose’s representatives for further comments.
Pete Rose: From “Charlie Hustle” to Baseball Pariah
Pete Rose’s career was a study in contrasts. For over two decades, he embodied the spirit of baseball with his relentless hustle and determination. A 17-time MLB All-Star, Rose’s on-field accomplishments are undeniable. He holds the record for most career hits (4,256), games played (3,562), plate appearances (15,890), and at-bats (14,053). He earned the 1973 National League MVP award, the 1963 Rookie of the Year award, and celebrated three World Series victories, two with the legendary Cincinnati Reds “Big Red Machine” in 1975 and 1976, and another with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980.
Former baseball player and manager Pete Rose addresses the media during a press conference in Las Vegas, Nevada.
However, Rose’s legacy is forever tarnished by his lifetime ban from Major League Baseball in 1989. This ban stemmed from allegations and eventual admission of gambling on baseball games, including those of his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, while he was manager.
The Gambling Scandal and Lifetime Ban
The investigation into Pete Rose’s gambling activities was initiated in April 1989 by then-MLB Commissioner Bart Giamatti. John Dowd, a former Department of Justice lawyer, led the inquiry, and the resulting Dowd Report presented compelling evidence. The report detailed at least 52 instances of Rose betting on Reds games in 1987 alone, his first year as manager after several seasons as a player-manager. These bets often amounted to thousands of dollars daily, as documented in the Dowd Report.
Faced with mounting evidence, Rose agreed to be placed on baseball’s ineligible list in August 1989. For years, he denied betting on baseball, a denial that further complicated his already controversial image.
Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies slides safely into third base during a game against the New York Mets in Philadelphia.
It wasn’t until 2004, with the release of his autobiography “My Prison Without Bars,” that Rose publicly admitted to gambling on Reds games. In an interview with ABC News to promote the book, he confessed to Charles Gibson, “I bet on baseball in 1987 and 1988… That was my mistake, not coming clean a lot earlier.” Rose maintained that he never bet against his own team, claiming he always wanted the Reds to win. He described his gambling as a progression from football and basketball betting, leading to baseball as the season followed.
The Hall of Fame Debate and Lingering Controversy
The banishment from baseball not only impacted Rose’s career but also his potential induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. In 1991, the Hall of Fame officially ruled that anyone on baseball’s ineligible list would not be considered for induction. This decision effectively barred Rose from Cooperstown, igniting a long-standing debate among fans, players, and commentators.
Pete Rose at bat during a 1980 baseball game while playing for the Philadelphia Phillies.
The question of Pete Rose and the Hall of Fame has become a recurring topic of discussion in sports. Even figures like former President Donald Trump weighed in, advocating for Rose’s Hall of Fame inclusion, arguing that he had paid a heavy price for his gambling mistakes. Rose himself petitioned MLB for reinstatement multiple times – in 1992, 1998, 2003, 2015, and 2022 – but each attempt was either rejected or went unanswered.
Despite the controversy, Rose remained a significant figure in baseball lore. His #14 jersey was retired by the Cincinnati Reds, and he was voted onto the sport’s All-Century Team by fans in 1999, receiving a standing ovation at the All-Star Game that year.
Remembering Pete Rose: A Complex Legacy
Pete Rose’s death marks the end of an era for baseball. His pursuit of Ty Cobb’s hit record in 1985 captivated the nation. On September 11, 1985, Rose surpassed the record, achieving his 4,192nd hit against the San Diego Padres, eventually finishing with 4,256 career hits – a record that stands unchallenged to this day. Prior to that, in 1978, his 44-game hitting streak also drew national attention, coming close to Joe DiMaggio’s iconic 56-game streak.
Pete Rose of the Cincinnati Reds observing batting practice before a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates circa 1985.
Beyond his professional life, Rose had a personal life marked by two marriages and a long-term relationship with model Kiana Kim. He appeared in a reality TV show with Kim, “Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs.,” in 2013 and had four children, including Pete Rose Jr., who briefly played in the majors.
In reflecting on his career and controversies in 2004, Rose acknowledged, “I owe baseball… Baseball doesn’t owe me a damn thing. I owe baseball. And the only way I can make my peace with baseball is taking this negative and somehow making it into a positive.”
Pete Rose’s story is a reminder of the complexities within sports, where extraordinary talent and achievement can be intertwined with human flaws and controversies. As fans and historians reflect on his life, the debate about his place in baseball history, and particularly the Hall of Fame, is sure to continue.
ABC News’ Alex Stone contributed to this report.
