A-Rod calls Rose’s potential Hall of Fame eligibility a bittersweet moment

Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader in Major League Baseball, may finally have a shot at being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2028. This comes after MLB announced last month that those on the game’s ineligible list are taken off after they die, opening the door for Rose to be considered for a plaque in Cooperstown.

Previously, the Hall of Fame had ruled in 1991 that it would follow MLB’s ineligible list and not consider anyone on it. Now that Rose is off the list, he is eligible for induction through the Hall’s Classic Era Committee, which will convene in 2½ years.

If Rose does get inducted, it will be a bittersweet moment as he passed away in September at the age of 83. Alex Rodriguez, who has his own compelling case for the Hall of Fame, reflected on Rose’s potential induction, saying, “It makes me happy and sad at the same time because Pete was such a friend, and I know that his heart ached a lot because he wasn’t in. I wish more than anything that that could have been done while he was alive.”

Rodriguez, who worked with Rose at FOX, emphasized the importance of recognizing individuals while they are still alive to hear the praise and acknowledgment. He expressed hope that Rose’s family would take solace in the honor and that Rose himself would be watching from somewhere, feeling proud.

Despite speculation about how Rose’s induction could impact his own Hall of Fame chances, Rodriguez remained focused on living his life with integrity and learning from past mistakes. He acknowledged that the decision ultimately lies with others to advocate for his inclusion in the Hall of Fame.

Rose’s legacy has been overshadowed by his admission to gambling in 2004, after years of maintaining his innocence. Despite his on-field accomplishments, including a World Series win with the Cincinnati Reds, he was banned from baseball in 1989 and never reinstated during his lifetime.

The possibility of Rose’s induction in 2028 serves as a reminder of the complexities and controversies surrounding his career. As baseball fans await the outcome of the Hall of Fame deliberations, the debate over Rose’s legacy continues to spark discussions within the baseball community.