WRFH/Radio Free Hillsdale 101.7 FM - Old Ballgame: Pete Rose

Episode Date: October 8, 2024

A look at the life of Pete Rose.

Welcome to the old ball game, where we talk about the past of America's favorite pastime. I'm Tate Christensen. Today we look at the life of MLB great Pete Rose. Rose was born in 1941 and grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio. In high school, he played for an amateur league, where he held a 626 batting average and played three different positions his senior year of high school. Thanks to his uncle, a scout for the Cincinnati Reds, he signed to play with the Reds in 1960. Rose made his debut in 1963 and earned the title of Rookie of the Year's. In the 1970s, the Reds dominated the National League, earning themselves the title of

The Big Red Machine. The club won the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1975, and Rose led the team with 10 hits and a 370 batting average through the series. He earned the title of World Series MVP for his performance in the series. Throughout Rose's 23-year MLB career, spanning from 1963 to 1986, he earned a number of awards, including being named a 17-time National League All-Star in the United States. five different positions, the 1973 National League MVP, and a Gold Glove Award. He also set numerous records. In 1978, he held a 44-game hitting streak, spanning from June 14th to August 1st.

Today, a number of Rose's records still stand. Despite his expansive record, Rose will never appear in the Baseball Hall of Fame because of a 1989 controversy. While serving as Reds manager, Rose was accused of placing bets on baseball games, most times betting against the Reds. Ohio's Hall of Fame baseball reporter Hal McCoy observed that the major problem with Rose betting on baseball, particularly the Reds, is that as manager he could control games, make decisions that could enhance his chances of winning his bets, thus jeopardizing the integrity of the game. Reports at the time said Rose bet in 52 games in 1987. In 1989, Rose became permanently ineligible, barring him from the Baseball Hall of Fame. Rose died September 30, 2024 at the age of 83. This has been the old ball game on Radio Free Hillsdale.

101.7 FM.