It’s a debate between honoring baseball’s history and the game’s integrity. It is the debate that led MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House. While MLB’s official statement described the meeting as a general discussion about baseball, it coincided with renewed attention to a legend’s eligibility status. Yes, you might have guessed correctly. It’s time to make room for the Reds legend, Pete Rose.

Previously, President Trump had publicly supported Rose’s reinstatement. In February, he announced plans to issue a posthumous pardon for Rose, emphasizing that Rose only bet on his team to win and criticizing MLB for excluding him from the Hall of Fame. “I will be signing a complete PARDON of Pete Rose, who shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only bet on HIS TEAM WINNING.” While MLB has been strict until now about not reinstating Rose’s eligibility, President Trump’s statement might have changed the tide.

Reportedly, this resulted in Manfred rushing to meet the POTUS in the White House, as confirmed by an MLB Spokesperson to The Washington Post. Although the specifics of the meeting remained undisclosed, Joe Gonzalez of Al Bat believes, “The meeting with Manfred at the White House suggests that Rose’s Hall of Fame eligibility was a central topic of discussion.” It wouldn’t be too surprising if this turns out to be true, given that the meeting took place shortly after Trump’s criticism.

Well, it’s time to acknowledge one of the greatest hitters ever in MLB with a posthumous Hall of Fame induction! Why not? He’s MLB’s all-time hits leader (4,256). Love it or hate it, you can’t talk baseball history without him. So, if MLB wishes to honor the game’s history truthfully, Rose belongs in the HOF as a player. With 35 years already gone since the lifetime ban was imposed on Rose, it’s time to recognize the legend!

For starters, Rose was banned in 1989 after an investigation concluded he bet on games involving the Reds while managing the team. Back in 2015, Manfred denied Rose’s reinstatement request, citing ongoing concerns about his gambling behavior. However, following the recent petition and Trump’s statements, Manfred has indicated he is reviewing Rose’s status. While the request is still pending, Rose passed away last year. 

So, would Rose receive the recognition he deserves? Let’s be very honest here. Rose made the bets on his team to win. Yes, it was still problematic, but he didn’t throw games or manipulate outcomes. Now, it’s up to MLB to decide if time and remorse can ever outweigh a permanent ban.

Cooperstown no stranger to controversial MLB HOF inductions 

Yes, there are other players like Rose, as well as steroid-era players like Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, who are often kept out of the Hall due to off-field controversies. However, Cooperstown is not immune to controversial figures getting in. Remember Ty Cobb? One of the first five HOF inductees in MLB was also marred by controversy. He is the perfect case study in the “talent vs. character” debate that still plagues HOF discussions today. While he was also one of the most eligible for induction with a .366 career average and 4,189 hits, his personality and reputation made waves even then. Why? Because of his reportedly combative, short-tempered, and unapologetic behavior, both on and off the field.

Hence, Cobb’s induction proves that Cooperstown has never been solely about character. The petition to induct Rose also cited Cobb’s case. Fans of Rose often argue that if Cobb, with his baggage, could get in, so should players whose sins didn’t affect their on-field dominance.

So, will Rose’s induction go against MLB Rule 21? While Cobb can be discussed for his aggressive behavior, there were no reports of compromising on game integrity against him. MLB’s Rule 21 explicitly prohibits gambling on games. Rose bet on games while managing, which strikes at the heart of competitive integrity. So, it has long been argued that reinstating Rose could set a precedent that might weaken the league’s hard stance on gambling, especially as sports betting becomes more mainstream.

Well, in that case, 35+ years is enough to punish Rose. Now it’s time to get over it and recognize the legend posthumously. Do you agree?