Major League Baseball might reconsider the paths to the Hall of Fame by reinstating players like Pete Rose and “shoeless” Joe Jackson, among others who were banned in the past.
Removing these bans could signal a significant shift in how sports and gambling interact, especially as legalized sports betting and fantasy sports gain popularity.
MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, in a letter to attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkoff regarding Rose’s ban, suggested that deceased players pose no threat to the game’s integrity. He pointed out that a lifetime ban seems excessively punitive and questioned the effectiveness of such severe measures.
Rose, recognized as one of the best hitters in baseball history, received his ban in the late 1980s after it was discovered he had bet on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds.
Earlier this year, President Trump backed Rose’s potential return. He stated that he would support a full pardon for Rose, who he believes never actually gambled on baseball outcomes but should have just bet on his own team’s victories.
Manfred mentioned that he had discussions about Rose and his eligibility with Trump late last year.
With an impressive tally of 4,256 hits, Rose holds the records for most hits and plate appearances as well. He was named the National League MVP in 1973 and was part of three World Series-winning teams.
