John Condit had the last interview with Pete Rose, just ten days before Rose’s passing. This was for a documentary marking 40 years since Rose broke Ty Cobb’s hit record. In that conversation, Major League Baseball (MLB) suggested that Rose, the all-time hit king, wouldn’t be recognized in the Hall of Fame until after his death. Condit shared with Fox News Digital that he “started shaking” upon hearing about Rose’s death.
Now, it seems those harsh predictions might be coming to fruition. MLB recently declared that anyone on the baseball ineligible list will be reconsidered posthumously. This means Rose, along with “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and others, is now part of this narrative.
Moving forward, Rose is once again eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame. Condit, a former sportscaster from Dayton, had a special connection to Reds fans, particularly admiring Johnny Bench. He reflected that without Rose’s revival, a planned celebration at Great American Ballpark would become Rose’s final tribute. I think that’s quite poignant.
Recently, Condit initiated a petition urging President Donald Trump to pardon Rose. He mentioned appreciating how Trump could use his influence to sway the public, noting that, although Rose made serious mistakes off the field, his statistics warrant consideration for the Hall of Fame. “That acknowledgment won’t come unless baseball says, ‘We’re bringing him back,'” Condit remarked during a Fox News Digital interview. And well, that’s exactly what baseball seems to be indicating now.
With growing momentum for Rose, there’s a distinct possibility of him being celebrated in New York. Condit expressed relief, sharing his initial fear that Rose’s legacy might hinge solely on a Wednesday night in Cincinnati. They had just celebrated his past accomplishments, and now, there seems to be hope for Rose’s induction. Condit said, “That’s what Pete Rose fans want.”
The Hall of Fame’s decision back in 1991 means that players on the ineligible list wouldn’t be up for voting as long as Rose remained barred from the sport. Following a recent meeting between Trump and Commissioner Rob Manfred, it’s widely thought that Rose was part of their discussions. Condit feels thankful to both Trump and Manfred, as their roles have significantly increased the chances of Rose gaining entry into Cooperstown.
Condit remarked on Trump’s love for baseball and suggested the president might feel pressure to support a change. He praised Commissioner Manfred for the difficult choice ahead—maintaining a traditional punishment or offering forgiveness to Rose and others. “People would love this,” Condit surmised.
Condit’s relationship with Rose goes way back, linking them since the 1980s. He recalls a specific event where he learned about MLB’s investigation into Rose for gambling, and later the commissioner officially banning him. Condit tries to understand both sides of the argument about Rose’s eligibility. Certainly, he acknowledged, Rose’s actions weren’t without fault, saying, “There’s no saint. He’s done a lot of wrong things.”
Yet Condit believes deeply in second chances. He stated, “It’s a great time for him to go to the Hall of Fame.” He hopes Rose’s family can find peace with baseball and the Hall of Fame in the future, acknowledging that even he holds some resentment. But, there’s hope that this situation can turn out positively for everyone involved.
