Will Pete Rose Finally Make It to the Hall of Fame

Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, remains one of the sport’s most polarizing figures. Despite his unmatched on-field achievements—4,256 hits, three World Series titles, and 17 All-Star selections—Rose has been barred from the Hall of Fame since 1989 due to betting on baseball. Now, over three decades later, his case is back in the spotlight as MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred considers a petition to reinstate him posthumously. Here’s what you need to know about Rose’s complicated legacy and whether Cooperstown might finally welcome him.  

The Trump Pardon: A Symbolic Gesture

In February 2025, former President Donald Trump announced plans to pardon Pete Rose for federal tax crimes stemming from a 1990 conviction. Rose had failed to report nearly $355,000 in income from memorabilia sales and autograph signings, leading to a five-month prison sentence. Trump’s pardon, however, only addresses Rose’s legal troubles—not his MLB ban. The move reignited debates about Rose’s Hall of Fame eligibility, but MLB officials clarified that the pardon has no bearing on baseball’s rules .  


While Trump criticized MLB for excluding Rose, Commissioner Rob Manfred emphasized that the league’s stance on gambling violations remains unchanged. “The rules are different for players,” Manfred stated, referencing MLB’s strict prohibition against betting on games .  

Manfred’s Dilemma: Revisiting a Permanent Ban

Rose’s banishment from baseball was labeled a “lifetime ban” in 1989, but it’s technically a permanent ineligibility—a distinction that survives his death in September 2024. Under a 1991 Hall of Fame rule, anyone on MLB’s permanently ineligible list cannot be considered for induction, regardless of their career stats .  


In April 2025, Manfred revealed he had discussed Rose’s status with Donald Trump and is reviewing a petition filed by Rose’s family to lift the ban. However, Manfred cautioned that reinstating Rose is “more complicated than it appears” and requires thorough evaluation of his legacy and the integrity of the sport .  


This isn’t the first time Manfred has weighed in. In 2015, he denied Rose’s reinstatement request, citing concerns over Rose’s continued gambling habits and lack of accountability. “He has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life,” Manfred wrote at the time .  

Why the Hall of Fame Door Remains Closed

1. The Gambling Scandal: As player-manager of the Cincinnati Reds (1985–87), Rose bet on his own team to win—a direct violation of MLB’s Rule 21. While he claims he never bet against the Reds, investigators found evidence he skipped betting on games where he felt the team was at a disadvantage, undermining the sport’s integrity .  

2. Late Accountability: Rose denied betting on baseball for 14 years before admitting to it in a 2004 autobiography. Critics argue his apologies were self-serving and timed to boost book sales or secure Hall of Fame consideration .  

3. Ongoing Risks: Even after his ban, Rose continued to gamble legally on sports, including baseball. Manfred has repeatedly stressed that MLB’s partnership with betting companies doesn’t weaken its zero-tolerance policy for players and personnel .  

The Case for Cooperstown

Supporters argue Rose’s playing career deserves recognition, separate from his managerial misconduct:  

- Unmatched Stats: Rose holds MLB records for hits, games played (3,562), and plate appearances (15,890). His achievements are already celebrated in the Hall of Fame’s museum, which displays artifacts like the bat from his 4,000th hit .  

- Public Opinion: Polls show many fans believe Rose has “paid the price.” Even broadcaster Bob Costas has advocated for his induction, suggesting his plaque could note the gambling scandal .  

- Precedent for Forgiveness: Other controversial figures, like “Shoeless” Joe Jackson (Black Sox Scandal), remain banned, but Rose’s supporters argue his transgressions occurred post-retirement as a player .  

What Happens Next?

If Manfred lifts the ban, Rose’s case would go to the Hall of Fame’s Historical Overview Committee. Even then, election isn’t guaranteed. The 16-member Classic Baseball Era committee—composed of Hall of Famers, historians, and writers—would vote in December 2027. Some members might boycott the process, reflecting lingering resentment .  


Manfred has vowed to rule “promptly” but hasn’t set a deadline. His decision could hinge on balancing Rose’s legacy with MLB’s need to uphold its rules. “It’s a privilege to play Major League Baseball,” Manfred said. “With that privilege comes responsibilities” .  

The Bigger Picture: Baseball’s Complicated Relationship with Gambling

MLB’s partnership with sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel has blurred the lines between the sport and gambling. While players and personnel are still banned from betting on games, critics argue the league’s moral high ground is weakening. Rose’s case forces MLB to confront whether its zero-tolerance policy is outdated—or essential to preserving trust in the game .  

Conclusion: A Legacy in Limbo

Pete Rose’s story is a tragedy of self-sabotage. His brilliance on the field is undeniable, but his refusal to fully atone for his actions has left his legacy in purgatory. As Manfred deliberates, the question remains: Should the Hall of Fame honor the player while condemning the man?  


For now, Rose’s fate rests on a commissioner’s judgment, a committee’s vote, and a sport’s uneasy balance between forgiveness and integrity. Whatever the outcome, his saga reminds us that in baseball—as in life—redemption is never a guarantee.