Reds unveil heartfelt uniform tribute to legendary 'Hit King' Pete Rose

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose sadly passed away just days after the 2024 season came to a close. Charlie Hustle, as he was affectionately known, died of a heart condition on September 30, 2024.

The Reds held an open visitation back in November that allowed fans to pay their respects to Rose. The 14-hour event was open to the public, and saw thousands of Reds fans show their appreciation for Rose's contributions to Cincinnati baseball.

Despite a checkered past that included gambling on baseball, Rose was beloved by an overwhelming majority of fans throughout Reds Country. Though not eligible to be voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Rose was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2016 and is still revered as one of the greatest hitters the game has even seen.

Reds unveil heartfelt uniform tribute to legendary 'Hit King' Pete Rose

On Monday, the Reds revealed a patch that will adorn Cincinnati's uniforms throughout the 2025 season as a tribute to the late 'Hit King'. The No. 14, stitched onto a black-colored backdrop, will be sewn onto the sleeves of the Reds' uniforms this season. A similar design was shown on the outfield wall in left field at Great American Ball Park earlier this offseason, and it's assumed that it will remain on the facade throughout the 2025 campaign.

The Reds will also honor Rose later this season with Pete Rose Day at GABP on May 14, 2025. There will be tributes to Rose's life and legacy, but the details of that event have yet to be released.

Rose's impacts on the game of baseball and the city of Cincinnati are undeniable. During his Reds' tenure, Rose won the NL MVP, went to 13 All-Star Games, was part of two World Series championships teams, and became the all-time hits leader after breaking Ty Cobb's record on September 11, 1985.

Rose is an icon throughout most baseball circles, but especially in his hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. The Hit King's legacy will be part of the Reds' 2025 campaign as his No. 14 will represent the hustle that the Cincinnati faithful have come to love, and are hoping to see from this year's ball club.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors