Commissioner Rob Manfred is currently reviewing a petition filed on January 8 by Pete Rose’s family, requesting his removal from Major League Baseball’s (MLB) ineligible list. The petition, spearheaded by Los Angeles lawyer Jeffrey Lenkov and Rose’s eldest daughter, Fawn Rose, follows a meeting with Manfred and MLB spokesman Pat Courtney on December 17.
Lenkov emphasized that the discussions were respectful and productive, aiming for Rose’s reinstatement so he could be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame posthumously.
This is not the first time Manfred has considered Rose’s reinstatement. In 2015, he denied a similar request after meeting with Rose personally. The latest petition, however, comes amid political involvement, as former President Donald Trump recently announced his intention to pardon Rose.
Trump criticized MLB for barring Rose from the Hall of Fame, arguing that Rose’s betting only involved his team winning and did not compromise the integrity of the game. Despite Trump’s support, Lenkov clarified that he had not sought White House intervention in the matter.
Rob Manfred (MLB)MLB’s Stance on Rose’s Ban and the Hall of Fame Eligibility Debate
MLB sources confirmed that Manfred is reviewing the petition but declined to comment further. Historically, MLB has maintained a strict stance on Rose’s lifetime ban, citing the need to uphold the integrity of the game. In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame passed a rule stating that players on MLB’s ineligible list would not be considered for induction. This rule, often referred to as the “Pete Rose Rule,” effectively kept Rose off Hall of Fame ballots despite his status as the all-time hit leader in MLB history.
A key argument in favor of Rose’s reinstatement is that MLB informally ends lifetime bans upon a player’s death. In 2020, sources indicated that Manfred viewed the banned list as a punishment only during a player’s lifetime. However, this does not guarantee Hall of Fame eligibility, as the Hall has maintained that even deceased players on MLB’s banned list remain ineligible. Lenkov hopes that a decision to remove Rose from the ineligible list will create a precedent, allowing baseball writers to vote on his induction.
Rose’s Reinstatement Hopes Amid Past Gambling Admissions and Hall of Fame Debate
Throughout his lifetime, Rose had multiple opportunities to seek reinstatement but declined the conditions set by MLB. Former commissioner Bud Selig once offered a path to reinstatement if Rose admitted to gambling, avoided casinos, and ceased betting activities. Rose refused. In 2004, he acknowledged gambling as a manager but insisted he only bet on his team to win. Later investigations revealed he also placed bets as a player, further complicating his case for reinstatement.
Lenkov remains optimistic that Manfred will reinstate Rose, which could open the door for Hall of Fame consideration. He argues that Rose has already served his punishment and deserves a second chance. While there is no guarantee that Rose would be inducted even if removed from the ineligible list, Lenkov believes his legacy in baseball merits recognition. If Rose were to be inducted, it would be a momentous occasion, acknowledging his unparalleled achievements in the sport.
