Aug 7, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Phillies great Pete Rose acknowledges the crowd during Alumni Day ceremony before game against the Washington Nationals at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader in major league baseball and sparkplug for the Philadelphia Phillies first World Series championship in 1980, died Monday at his home in Las Vegas, his agent told TMZ Sports.
Rose, was 83.
MLB legend Pete Rose has died at the age of 83 💔 #RIP https://t.co/eEtJId815Z
Known for his unmatched hustle and relentless playing style, Rose, often referred to as "Charlie Hustle," left an indelible mark on the sport he loved.
Born on April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rose's career began in 1963 when he debuted with the Cincinnati Reds. Over the next 24 seasons, Rose accumulated 4,256 hits, a record that still stands today, making him the all-time hit leader in Major League Baseball.
He played for three teams—primarily the Cincinnati Reds but also the Phillies and the Montreal Expos—winning three World Series titles, one MVP award, two Gold Gloves, and being named to 17 All-Star teams. Rose also became known for his versatility, playing five different positions during his career.
Off the field, Rose was equally famous for his intense competitiveness and larger-than-life persona. His headfirst slides into bases and relentless drive earned him admiration from fans and respect from his peers. His signature phrase, "I'd walk through hell in a gasoline suit to play baseball," epitomized his dedication to the game.
He was the straw that stirred the drink for the 1980 Phillies, brought in a season earlier to teach a talented team of players how to win. He will always be remembered in Philadelphia for some tremendous plays with the Phillies, such as plowing over Bruce Bochy in the 1980 NLCS:
Pete Rose collided with Bruce Bochy the last time the Phillies and Astros met in the playoffs pic.twitter.com/2TBzhrm57U
Or when he had the presence of mind to catch the foul ball dropped by Bob Boone in the clinching game of the World Series with the bases loaded in the top of the ninth:
Pete Rose was such a legend that this moment, which would be a career-maker for a mortal, has been largely forgotten.
However, Rose's post-playing career was marred by his 1989 lifetime ban from baseball after it was revealed that he had bet on games while managing the Reds. The scandal led to his exclusion from the Baseball Hall of Fame, a decision that has divided fans and baseball insiders for decades.
Fans of the 1980 Phillies World Champs win never forget Rose saving Bob Boone’s butt in final inning of the World Series.
Interestingly, Boone’s son is now the… pic.twitter.com/TmgamKoYGk
Rose also found himself in the middle of other post-career allegations and controversies, all of which were covered extensively in the HBO Documentary, Charlie Hustle and the Matter of Pete Rose.
Despite all the embroilment in his life, Rose never wavered in his love for the sport, continuing to appear at public events, sign autographs, and engage with fans.
Rose's life was a tale of unparalleled athletic achievement and personal controversy. His impact on the game of baseball is undeniable, and his record-breaking career will be remembered for generations to come.
Pete Rose is survived by his children Fawn Rose, Pete Rose Jr., Morgan Erin Rubio, Tyler Rose and actor Chea Courtney, whose birth name is Cara Rose.
His legacy as one of baseball's greatest players, though complicated, remains forever etched in the history of the sport.
