Cincinnati Reds: Who’s on the Mount Rushmore of former players?

3. Pete Rose, Infielder (1963-78, 1984-86)

This is not a debate about whether or not Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of the Fame. We’re not here to debate his candidacy for Cooperstown, nor delve into his personal life. This is about what happens on the field, and when you look exclusively at the events that occurred during Rose’s 24-year career, there’s no doubt that he belongs on the Mount Rushmore or former Reds players.

Rose was one of the greatest players in the history of Major League Baseball. “Charlie Hustle” spent two different stints with the Cincinnati Reds, taking the reins as player-manager from 1984 to 1986.

Pete Rose is most well-known as The Hit King. On September 11, 1985, Rose broke Ty Cobb‘s all-time hits record with his 4,192nd hit, a single to left-center field off San Diego Padres pitcher Eric Show. A celebration, like few the fans in Cincinnati had ever seen, ensued at Riverfront Stadium.

Rose’s stats are astounding. The switch-hitter took home Rookie of the Year honors in 1963, hitting .273 with 170 hits. Pete Rose went to 17 All-Star Games, won two Gold Gloves and the MVP in 1973. Rose would lead the league in hits on seven different occasions and also took home the batting title during three different seasons.

Everyone knows the story surrounding Rose’s absence from the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but the all-time leader in hits is enshrined in the Reds Hall of Fame. Rose’s No. 14 was retired by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016.