After nearly four decades, Major League Baseball announced Tuesday that it has officially reinstated 17-time All-Star and Cincinnati Reds icon Pete Rose—a major move that could pave the way for his posthumous induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rose, MLB’s all-time leader in hits who played 19 of his 24 seasons with the Reds, was banned from the sport in 1989 following an investigation that revealed he had bet on games while managing Cincinnati.
Following the announcement, Reds Principal Owner and Managing Partner Bob Castellini issued a statement expressing gratitude to MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred for lifting the ban.
“Pete is one of the greatest to ever play the game, and Reds Country will always honor his legacy,” Castellini said. “We’re especially happy for the Rose family and what this decision means for them and Pete’s many fans.”
Rose, who won NL Rookie of the Year in 1963 and MVP honors in 1973, was part of three World Series-winning teams, including the legendary “Big Red Machine” squads that took titles in 1975 and 1976. He passed away in September 2024 at the age of 83.
The Rose family, which had formally requested his removal from the ineligible list, had hoped for a decision before Wednesday—when the Reds are set to honor him with Pete Rose Night at Great American Ballpark.
With Tuesday’s news, the Reds and Rose’s loved ones will now celebrate the occasion knowing the door to Cooperstown is finally cracked open.
