Pete Rose

The more I stared into the haunting eyes of Jackson, the more I realized it was all so terribly wrong for him to be shunned by the game he devoted his life to. This man deserves to have peace. This man deserves the respect he earned on the field while wielding his fabled ''Black Betsy'' to compile a .356 career average (third best in history) with a swing so sweet, pure and natural, Babe Ruth copied it. A ''Shoeless Joe'' plaque belongs in the Hall next to those of Ty Cobb, Ted Williams and the other great hitters.

The facts of Jackson's tragic saga are well known. He and seven other members of the ''Black Sox'' were banned for life by Landis in 1921 even though they had been exonerated in court and by public opinion for any involvement in their alleged attempts to throw the 1919 World Series. If Jackson was trying to tank, he did a poor job because he homered, drove in six runs, collected a record 12 hits and batted .375 while playing errorless ball in the field.

Landis ignored the court rulings in order to send a no-tolerance message that there was to be no gambling in the game.

Because a number of players have allegedly used PED, and may get into the HOF we should open the door to a confessed liar, gambler and tax evader.

When we get the amount of evidence against the PED users that we have against Rose, I don't think they will be in the HOF either.

He lied for 14 years. Maybe another 10 years from now it should get some reconsideration.

Rose is in the HOF. His hits record is noted at numerous places throughout the hall. What is not in the HOF is the man. I don't have a problem with that.

Pete Rose is guilty of what he did after his playing days were over and he should be judge for what he did as a player. Their are alot of sketchy characters from the glory days of baseball who are in the HOF. As far as shoeless Joe he was found guilty of accepting the 10K and not exposing the fix. And I have alot of Shoeless Joe collectables and believe he may have been the best ever if aloud to continue to play. But Charlie Hustle has never as far as I know been found guilty of any of those crimes during his playing career. And that is what he should be evaluated on.

I believe Rose and Bonds are vilified so much because they are tremendous jerks. Two of the greatest baseball players of all time but people you sure wouldn't want your kids hanging around.

I wonder what would happen if a really nice guy was found to have taken PEDs or gambled.

Cal Ripken
Ryne Sandberg
Orel Herscheiser

Would they be as vilified?

Pete Rose (who I idolized as a high school kid) SHOULD be in the Hall of Fame. The day after he dies. He agreed to a lifetime ban to save himself all the gory details.

quote:

Originally posted by biggerpapi:
I believe Rose and Bonds are vilified so much because they are tremendous jerks. Two of the greatest baseball players of all time but people you sure wouldn't want your kids hanging around.

Couldn't agree with you more, Papi.