Popularly known as the Hit King of MLB is no longer in this world. 24 seasons and MLB’s all-time hit list with 4,256, Pete Rose carved his place at the top spot of the league, contributing well and more to the sport. But his impact beyond baseball remains evident as thousands gather to grieve the loss, including Magic Johnson and Eddie Johnson.

The 1989 Sixth Man of the Year expressed his grief at the tragic news through his official X account. “RIP Charley Hustle… This man Sprinted every sec he was on the baseball field. One of the greatest EVER! Case closed…” he wrote.

As per an X post shared by ESPN, the news of Rose’s demise was first confirmed to ABC News by the medical examiner in Clark County, Nevada. Replying to the ESPN post, even LA Lakers icon Magic Johnson himself and on his wife Cookie Johnson’s behalf, conveyed his condolences.     

“We’ve lost one of the greatest, most exciting and toughest players that’s ever played in baseball history… Cookie and I will be praying for the Rose family. All of baseball should be mourning this true legend…” Buck wrote on X. A series of fans reacted to Magic Johnson’s post and mourned Rose’s death. Meanwhile, some pushed that the MLB legend should now be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It would also receive a nod from Matt Barnes. “HOF’em,” he wrote.

The former MLB legend was without a doubt one of the best that the game ever witnessed. His playing style where he would slide head first and run even when a pitcher walked him earned him his popular nickname, Charlie Hustle.

During his tenure, not only did he earn 17 All Star appearances but 3 World Series titles,  1975 World Series MVP and much more. So there is no doubt he would’ve found his place in the HOF had it not been for the betting scandal.

Pete Rose’s betting case that kept him out of the Hall of Fame

Pete Rose’s gambling scandal forever altered his baseball career and denied him a place in the Hall of Fame. It all started with MLB launching an in 1989 after receiving reports regarding Rose betting on MLB games. Led by lawyer John Dowd, the investigation revealed that the 3x World Series had indeed bet on baseball. This included the Cincinnati Reds games during his tenure as a player-manager from 1985 to 1986 and as a manager in 1987.

Subsequently, the then league commissioner Angelo Bartlett Giamatti issued a lifetime ban on Rose in August 1989. According to MLB’s Rule 21, any person who is involved in a game and then bets on it faces a permanent ban from the sport. However, Rose could’ve applied for reinstatement, as per Giamatti’s directions, after proving he had rehabilitated his life. But Charlie Hustle initially stayed adamant on denying the allegations.

Despite the ban, Rose believed it would be temporary. However, in 1991, the HOF introduced a rule preventing players on the permanent ineligible list from appearing on its ballot. Rose continued denying the claims until 2004, when he publicly admitted to betting on the Reds. But he denied ever betting against his team. In his autobiography, My Prison Without Bars, Rose explained that his gambling addiction stemmed from trying to recapture the thrill of his playing days.

Now with fans and athletes rallying for the honor, his legacy proves to remain cherished and intact.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.