Just looking at an article speculating who will get inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. Personally I think Cooperstown could better be referred to as the"Hall of Shame" right now. There can be no legitimate Hall of Fame unless it includes possibly the greatest player of all time. That's right, Charlie Hustle himself.Regardless of where you stand on the gambling issue, Rose epitomized all that was good about baseball during the vast majority of his career. He gave 100% all the time, he was ultra-competitive and most of all he appreciated the fans.
Here is my real life brush with the great one.
When I was about 12-13 yrs old our little league took the All-Star Team members to watch a Cincinnati game. They were playing Houston that night (Joe Morgan stilled played 2nd base for them at that time) and after 3 rain delays the Reds overcame a 7 run deficit to win the game. Because of the rain delays the game did not end until after midnight.
As soon as the game was over several of us kids went running to the exit door of the dressing room (yes you could still do that back then). First player out that we recognized was Angel Bravo who was little more than a role player for the team. We converged on him for an autograph but he quickly told us "In a hurry guys, gotta go". (After he forced his way through us kids, a female voice was heard saying "Hey Angel". He was still talking to her when we eventually left.)
Next out was Johnny Bench, again like a pack of hyenas we swarmed on him for autographs, he mostly ignored us, walked to his car with us in tow, opened the door, sat down and then signed 1 autograph and then the ole "Gotta go boys" and off he went.
A few more players made their way out and for the most part they blew right by us kids but then out came Pete. Once again we swarmed him like a bunch of crazed hornets. He stopped right outside the door, told us kids to take it easy, and then proceeded to start signing autographs. He even double checked to make sure he didn't miss anyone before he left.
We all know the legitimacy of his stats. We all know of his undieing love for the game. I can attest to his appreciation of fans, even a pack of relentless, irreverent kids. And his biggest crime? He bet on himself?
I can handle the baseball ban for a period to set a proper example for future players as well as the kids like us that looked up to him. But enough is enough! He has paid his price! Get him in the Hall of Fame or change the name one or the other. Regardless of his shortcomings he deserves to be there!
No doubt he will someday make it to the Hall of Fame. I just hope for his sake and baseball's in general that it is not done post mortem.
Halfway Hardballers
I remember in like 1982 sending a letter to the Phillies requesting autographs and the one guy that responded was Pete Rose.I can say he was a great player and he treated his fans like they were family,I wish he would get elected to the HOF based solely on how he played the game.
ReplyDelete