Pete Rose

These are two of the most controversial figures in the baseball tradition. The decision follows new guidelines introduced by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Historical Political Change Commissioner Manfred justified the step by informing the deceased people that pose no threat to the integrity of the game, thus making continuous unacceptable unnecessary. "The purpose of the acceptability list is to protect the integrity of the game in the future," Manfred said. "As soon as a person dies, concerns about sustained damages no longer apply."

Changes to the

Guidelines effectively increase the lifetime ban imposed on groups of players, and are entitled to include the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Rehiring does not guarantee induction, but opens the door to check the Hall Committee.

Pete Rose: Baseball-Hit King

Pete Rose, MLBS All Hit Manager, banned after investigating his bets on the game while working as manager for Cincinnati Reds in 1989. Despite repeated petitions for reinstatement, Rose was permanently unacceptable at MLB until his death in September 202. Now, the ban was lifted after death, so according to the 2028 Hall Guidelines, Rose can be justified for the 2028 Hall of Fame. Followers of the new politics see this as a long-awaited revision.

"I think that's right," said former Reds team colleague Johnny Bench. "Pete made a mistake, but his contribution to the game cannot be denied. It's time to judge him according to his full legacy."

"Shoeless" Joe Jackson and the Black Sox Scandal

Another prominent figure reinstated is “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, an outfielder for the Chicago White Sox who was banned after the infamous 1919 Black Sox scandal. Jackson and seven teammates were accused of conspiring to throw the World Series in exchange for money from gamblers. Although Jackson hit .375 during the series and there is still debate over his level of involvement, he and the others were banned for life by then-Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis in 1921.

Jackson, who died in 1951, has been the subject of countless books, films, and scholarly discussions — with many arguing that he was wrongfully punished. His reinstatement reopens the door to his Hall of Fame candidacy more than a century after his playing career ended.

Broader Implications and Mixed Reactions

In total, 17 individuals have been reinstated under this policy shift, most of whom have passed away. These include other players involved in gambling scandals or violations of league rules. The change is seen by some as an effort to reassess how baseball handles past disciplinary actions in light of evolving perspectives and values.

The response from fans and the media has been mixed. Supporters argue that these individuals should be evaluated based on their contributions to the sport, especially when they no longer pose a threat. Critics, however, question the timing and purpose of such decisions, especially when they come after the individuals' deaths.

“Why not do this while they were still alive to see it?” asked one longtime fan on social media. “It feels like too little, too late.”

Former MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent, who had maintained a hard line on bans during his tenure, expressed cautious support: “While I stood by the rules during my time, I recognize that times change. As long as the Hall makes careful, thoughtful decisions, I believe this could bring a sense of justice.”

Hall of Fame Consideration

While MLB’s decision clears a major hurdle, induction into the Hall of Fame is not automatic. The Baseball Hall of Fame has separate voting processes, including the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee and the Early Baseball Era Committee, which evaluate players no longer eligible through the traditional writers’ ballot.

Both Pete Rose and Joe Jackson will now be eligible for review by these committees, potentially as soon as the next voting cycle in 2028. Whether they will gain enough support remains to be seen.

A New Chapter in Baseball’s Legacy

This policy change marks a pivotal moment in MLB’s relationship with its own history. It acknowledges the complexity of past disciplinary actions while allowing the baseball community to reassess these legacies with fresh eyes. For many fans and historians, it offers a chance to revisit unresolved debates and perhaps correct perceived wrongs. For Pete Rose, Joe Jackson, and others, the possibility of posthumous honor offers a bittersweet resolution. Their stories have long shaped the narrative of baseball’s darker chapters. Now, the game seems ready to reconsider how those stories should end.