Reds icon Pete Rose, eternal Cincinnati hero, reportedly passes away

TMZ is reporting that Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. The news broke on the eve of the 2024 Major League Baseball playoffs, and just a day after the Reds wrapped up the regular season.

A polarizing figure in the sport of baseball, Rose was beloved by almost every fan in the city of Cincinnati. A native of the Queen City, Rose spent 19 of his 24 Major League seasons wearing a Reds jersey and holds a number of club records.

Reds icon Pete Rose reportedly passes away at age 83

Rose famously broke Ty Cobb's record for the most hits in history back on Sept. 11, 1985 in front of packed house at Riverfront Stadium. Charlie Hustle, as he was affectionately known, laced a single into left field off San Diego Padres pitcher Eric Show for the 4,192nd base hit of his career. Rose finished his career as the all-time hits leader with 4,256; a record that may hold the test of time.

Unfortunately for Rose, his on-the-field accolades were overshadowed by an off-the-field scandal that tarnished his image. Rose was accused of betting on baseball, and in August of 1989 accepted a lifetime ban from the sport. For years Rose maintained his innocence, but in 2004, finally admitted to gambling on baseball, including Reds games.

Despite his illustrious resumé, Rose was ineligible to be voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose's pled his case to former MLB Commissioner Bud Selig and current commissioner Rob Manfred, but to no avail. He remains on the outside looking in.

Pete Rose was one of the greatest players in Reds history

Rose is an icon in the city of Cincinnati, and ranks first in Reds history in hits, singles, doubles, runs scored, and games played. Rose also ranks among the top five in team history in triples, RBI, walks, batting average, and on-base percentage.

Rose was truly one of the greatest baseball players, not just of his generation, but of all time. And it's likely that most Reds fans will remember him as just that.

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