Pete Rose, widely recognized as baseball’s all-time hits leader, indeed passed away on Monday at the age of 83. The Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada officially announced his death on Tuesday, confirming it was due to natural causes at his home in Las Vegas.
Coroner Melanie Rouse’s statement detailed the cause of death as “hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease with a significant condition of diabetes mellitus.” Hypertension is commonly known as high blood pressure, while atherosclerosis refers to the hardening of arteries caused by plaque buildup. These conditions, coupled with diabetes, contributed to the passing of the legendary athlete.
Just a day prior to his death, Rose was seen at a collectibles show in Nashville, Tennessee. He was photographed in a wheelchair alongside former Cincinnati Reds teammates, including Ken Griffey Sr., Tony Perez, George Foster, and Dave Concepcion. This appearance offers a poignant glimpse into his final days, surrounded by fellow baseball icons.
Throughout his illustrious 24-year Major League Baseball career, “Charlie Hustle” amassed an unparalleled 4,256 hits. Playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos, he surpassed Ty Cobb’s long-standing record. Rose’s remarkable career also includes records for games played (3,562) and at-bats (14,053). His statistical achievements further include ranking sixth in all-time runs (2,165), a .303 career batting average, a .375 on-base percentage, and a .409 slugging percentage. He also tallied 160 home runs, 198 stolen bases, 746 doubles, and 1,314 RBIs. Rose’s on-field success extended to winning three World Series championships.
Beyond his playing prowess, Rose took on the role of player/manager for the Cincinnati Reds from 1984 to 1986, continuing as manager until his lifetime ban from major league baseball in 1989. This ban stemmed from allegations and eventual admission in 2004 of gambling on baseball. Despite seeking reinstatement, MLB never lifted the ban, rendering him ineligible for Hall of Fame induction. His legacy remains complex, marked by both extraordinary achievements on the field and controversies off of it.
