Pete Rose's agent Ryan Fitterman posted a heartfelt message on Instagram following the singer's death on Monday.
MLB's hitting king was found dead in his Las Vegas home by his family. Rose was 83 years old.
“Had a great day yesterday in Nashville with the Big Red Machine. Love you, Hit King.” Fitterman wrote in a social media post. Starring Rose and Cincinnati Reds icons Dave Concepcion, Ken Griffey Sr., Tony Perez and George Foster Music City Sports Cards, Merchandise and Autograph Showwhich included a broken heart emoji and a crown emoji.
Rose has a checkered history with baseball as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and some of his accomplishments have been overshadowed by a lifetime ban for gambling on baseball.
As a player, Rose retired as the MLB all-time leader in hits (4,256), singles (3,215), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and at-bats (15,890). Additionally, he won three batting titles and two Gold Gloves.
He also won the World Series three times.
In a statement released by the Reds, owner Bob Castellini called Rose “one of the fiercest competitors this game has ever seen.”
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete's passing,” Castellini said. “He was one of the fiercest competitors this game has ever seen, and every team he played on was better because of him. Pete was a consistent red. No one loved the game and no one loved Pete more than Reds Country. We must never forget what he accomplished.”
Major League Baseball also released a statement regarding Rose's death.
“Major League Baseball is deeply committed to Pete Rose's family, friends in the game, and fans in his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, and beyond who admired his greatness, grit, and determination on the field. We extend our condolences and may he rest in peace,” MLB said in a statement.
In a statement to TMZ, Fitterman said the Rose family “asks for privacy at this time.”
