"Charlie Hustle", as he was famously known, was a renowned figure in Major League Baseball from 1963 to 1986. His career, largely associated with the Cincinnati Reds, saw him achieve significant success as part of the formidable "Big Red Machine". This era saw the Reds dominate the National League during the 1970s. His time with the Philadelphia Phillies earned him his third World Series win, adding to an already impressive track record. Rose's influence extended beyond his playing years, taking on the role of Reds' manager from 1984 to 1989.
Pete Rose, nicknamed "Charlie Hustle", was born on April 14, 1941.
In 1960, after graduating high school, Pete Rose played for the Frisch's Big Boy team in the Dayton Amateur League. He had a .626 batting average and caught the attention of Cincinnati Reds scout Buddy Bloebaum, his uncle. Rose subsequently signed a professional contract with the Reds.
Pete Rose made his Major League debut on April 8, 1963, playing for the Cincinnati Reds against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Crosley Field. He drew a walk in his first plate appearance.
During a 1963 spring training game against the New York Yankees, Pete Rose was given the nickname "Charlie Hustle" by pitcher Whitey Ford. This happened because Rose sprinted to first base after a walk. While potentially intended as derisive, Rose embraced the nickname.
Following the 1963 baseball season, Pete Rose joined the United States Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Knox.
Pete Rose made his Major League Baseball debut in 1963 and was given the nickname "Charlie Hustle" by Whitey Ford after a spring training game. He also joined the Army Reserves after the season ended.
Pete Rose completed his United States Army Basic Training on January 18, 1964, at Fort Knox, a week before his marriage to Karolyn Englehardt.
Pete Rose married Karolyn Englehardt on January 25, 1964. The couple had two children, daughter Fawn (b. 1964) and son Pete Rose Jr. (b. 1969).
On April 23, 1964, during a game against the Houston Colt .45's, Pete Rose scored the winning run in the ninth inning after reaching base on an error. This resulted in Colt .45's pitcher Ken Johnson becoming the first pitcher to lose a complete game no-hitter.
Pete Rose experienced a slump towards the end of the 1964 season and was benched. To improve, he played in the Venezuelan Winter League during the offseason.
Pete Rose returned to the Reds in 1965 and led the National League with 209 hits and 670 at-bats.
In 1966, Rose achieved a career-high of 16 home runs. He then switched from second base to right field in the following year.
Pete Rose had a 22-game hitting streak, a broken thumb causing him to miss three weeks, then another 19-game streak in 1968. He won his first National League batting title with a .335 average.
In 1968, Pete Rose was honored with the Hutch Award for exemplifying the fighting spirit and competitive desire of Fred Hutchinson.
In 1968, Pete Rose led the league in batting average and also in plate appearances and hits, showcasing his exceptional skill and consistency.
In 1969, Pete Rose finished in the top five for the National League's Most Valuable Player award.
In 1969, Pete Rose received the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for best exemplifying the character and integrity of Lou Gehrig.
Pete Rose won his first Gold Glove Award in 1969 while playing as an outfielder.
On July 14, 1970, Pete Rose collided with Cleveland Indians catcher Ray Fosse while scoring the winning run in the All-Star Game. Fosse suffered a fractured and separated shoulder, which went undiagnosed until the following year, and his performance was impacted.
Pete Rose won his second Gold Glove Award in 1970 as an outfielder.
Ray Fosse, who suffered a career-altering injury from his collision with Pete Rose during the 1970 All-Star game, played with the Cleveland Indians until 1972 but never regained his previous form.
In 1973, Pete Rose was voted the National League's Most Valuable Player, solidifying his status as one of baseball's elite players.
Pete Rose won the National League MVP award in 1973 after leading the league with 230 hits and a .338 batting average. He also led the Cincinnati Reds, known as the "Big Red Machine", to the National League Championship Series.
In 1975, Pete Rose agreed to move to third base, strengthening the Reds' lineup and making room for George Foster. This move contributed to the Reds' championship seasons in 1975 and 1976. Rose's performance in the 1975 World Series earned him the MVP title, leading the Reds to their first championship since 1940.
In 1975, Pete Rose once again finished in the top five for the National League's Most Valuable Player award.
The Cincinnati Reds, with Pete Rose on the team, have not lost a World Series game since game six in 1975, showcasing their consistent success in the World Series.
The 1976 Reds, led by Pete Rose, remain the only team since the playoff expansion in 1969 to go undefeated in the postseason, highlighting their dominance that year.
Pete Rose played a key role in the Reds' 1976 World Series victory, their second consecutive championship. The team's undefeated streak in the 1976 postseason remains unmatched since the playoffs expanded in 1969.
In 1976, Pete Rose was honored with the Roberto Clemente Award for his sportsmanship and community involvement.
Before acquiring Pete Rose, the Philadelphia Phillies had a strong run from 1976 to 1978, winning the National League East three years in a row, including two 101-win seasons. However, they were unable to secure a World Series title during that period.
In 1976, Pete Rose finished in the top five for the National League's Most Valuable Player award. He also led the league in several key statistics including hits, runs scored, and games played.
On May 5, 1978, Pete Rose secured his 3,000th career hit with a single during a home game at Riverfront Stadium, becoming the thirteenth player in MLB history to achieve this milestone.
Pete Rose's journey towards challenging Joe DiMaggio's 56-game hitting streak began on June 14, 1978, when he hit a single in the first inning. This marked the beginning of a streak that would captivate the baseball world.
Before acquiring Pete Rose, the Philadelphia Phillies had a strong run from 1976 to 1978, winning the National League East three years in a row, including two 101-win seasons. However, they were unable to secure a World Series title during that period.
In 1978, Pete Rose was referenced in Billy Joel's song "Zanzibar," which appeared on the album 52nd Street. The lyrics highlighted Rose's prominence in baseball.
In 1978, a paternity suit was filed against Pete Rose, naming him as the father of Morgan Erin Rubio. This was later acknowledged by Rose in a 1996 settlement.
Pete Rose's association with Tommy Gioiosa, whom he met in 1978, would later come under scrutiny. Gioiosa, the manager of a gym involved in steroid sales, was later identified as someone Rose placed bets with, raising concerns about Rose's involvement in illicit activities.
In 1979, Pete Rose led the league in on-base percentage, further demonstrating his hitting prowess and ability to get on base.
In 1979, Pete Rose signed a four-year, $3.2 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, making him the highest-paid athlete in team sports at the time. This move marked the final position change of his career as he transitioned to first base.
Despite missing the postseason in Rose's first year, the Phillies, under his leadership, achieved three division titles (including one in the strike-shortened 1981 season), two World Series appearances, and their first World Series title in 1980 in the following four years.
Pete Rose and Karolyn Englehardt divorced in 1980 after having two children, Fawn and Pete Rose Jr.
Despite missing the postseason in Rose's first year, the Phillies, under his leadership, achieved three division titles (including one in the strike-shortened 1981 season), two World Series appearances, and their first World Series title in 1980 in the following four years.
In late October 1983, the Philadelphia Phillies granted Pete Rose an unconditional release. Despite the Phillies' desire to keep him, Rose declined a reduced playing role, leading to his departure from the team.
Pete Rose experienced his most challenging season in 1983, batting only .245 with 121 hits. Despite being benched for a portion of the season, he excelled as a pinch-hitter, maintaining a .381 average with eight hits in 21 at-bats.
Upon his return to the Reds, Pete Rose was appointed as player-manager, replacing Vern Rapp. Despite a .259 average before rejoining the Reds, he significantly improved his performance, hitting .365 in 26 games. He remains the last person to serve as a player-manager in MLB.
On April 13, 1984, the 21st anniversary of his first career hit, Pete Rose hit his 4,000th career hit, a double off the Phillies' Jerry Koosman. This achievement made him the second player in history to reach this milestone, joining Ty Cobb.
On August 15, 1984, Pete Rose was traded back to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for infielder Tom Lawless, marking his return to the team where he had achieved significant success.
In 1984, Pete Rose married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung. They had two children, Tyler (b. 1984) and Cara (b. 1989).
Pete Rose became the manager for the Cincinnati Reds in 1984.
Pete Rose's association with Tommy Gioiosa, whom he met in 1978, would later come under scrutiny. Gioiosa, the manager of a gym involved in steroid sales, was later identified as someone Rose placed bets with, raising concerns about Rose's involvement in illicit activities.
On September 11, 1985, Pete Rose surpassed Ty Cobb's all-time hits record with his 4,192nd hit, a single off Padres pitcher Eric Show. This achievement solidified Rose's place in baseball history as one of the sport's most prolific hitters.
During Pete Rose's four full seasons as manager from 1985 to 1988, the Reds consistently finished in second place in the NL West division, demonstrating his ability to lead the team to competitive seasons.
In 1985, pop artist Andy Warhol produced a limited edition screenprint featuring Pete Rose. The work was part of an edition of 50, with each one signed and numbered by Warhol.
In 2010, a report from Deadspin alleged that Pete Rose had used corked bats during his 1985 pursuit of Ty Cobb's hits record. This revelation cast a shadow over Rose's achievement and sparked controversy within the baseball community.
The Dowd Report, presented in 1989, alleged that Pete Rose engaged in gambling activities, including betting on baseball, during 1985. The report provided a detailed account of Rose's alleged gambling, sparking controversy and leading to his eventual ban from baseball.
On August 17, 1986, Pete Rose stepped up to the plate for his final career at-bat, which ended in a strikeout against San Diego's Goose Gossage. He finished his career with an impressive 4,256 hits.
On November 11, 1986, Pete Rose was removed from the Reds' 40-man roster, marking the end of his playing career. He retired with a lifetime .303 batting average and held numerous MLB and NL records, solidifying his legacy as one of baseball's greatest hitters.
The Dowd Report, presented in 1989, alleged that Pete Rose engaged in gambling activities, including betting on baseball, during 1986. The report provided a detailed account of Rose's alleged gambling, sparking controversy and leading to his eventual ban from baseball.
Pete Rose retired from playing Major League Baseball in 1986.
Pete Rose retired from baseball in 1986 with the highest modern-day career fielding percentages for a right fielder (99.14%) and a left fielder (99.07%) in the National League.
On April 26, 1987, Pete Rose allegedly placed bets on hockey and basketball games but did not bet on baseball games. This was a rare exception in his otherwise consistent betting on baseball.
The Dowd Report, presented in 1989, revealed that Pete Rose allegedly bet on baseball games, including those involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, in 1987. The report stated that Rose wagered a minimum of $10,000 per day on baseball games.
On April 30, 1988, Pete Rose was ejected from a game against the New York Mets after shoving umpire Dave Pallone twice. The incident occurred after a controversial call at first base, where Mookie Wilson hit a ground ball that was mishandled, allowing a run to score. Rose, arguing the call, made contact with Pallone, leading to his ejection and a 30-game suspension.
During Pete Rose's four full seasons as manager from 1985 to 1988, the Reds consistently finished in second place in the NL West division, demonstrating his ability to lead the team to competitive seasons.
In February 1989, Pete Rose was informally questioned about allegations of betting on baseball by then-commissioner Peter Ueberroth and A. Bartlett Giamatti. Rose admitted to betting on other sports but vehemently denied the baseball betting allegations.
On March 21, 1989, Sports Illustrated published a cover story detailing allegations that Pete Rose had bet on baseball games. This report marked a turning point in the investigation into Rose's gambling activities, bringing the allegations to public attention.
Sports Illustrated released its April 3, 1989 issue, featuring a cover story detailing the allegations against Pete Rose for betting on baseball games. This publication brought the matter into the public eye.
In August 1989, Pete Rose received a permanent ban from baseball due to accusations of gambling on Major League Baseball games, including on the Cincinnati Reds while playing for and managing the team.
Pete Rose's tenure as manager of the Cincinnati Reds ended on August 24, 1989. With a career managerial record of 426-388, he ranks fifth in Reds history for managerial wins, reflecting his successful leadership during his time with the team.
A. Bartlett Giamatti, the Commissioner of Baseball who had suspended Pete Rose for betting on baseball games, died of a heart attack on September 1, 1989, just eight days after announcing Rose's ban.
Cara, Pete Rose's daughter with Carol J. Woliung, was born in 1989, two days before Rose's banishment from Major League Baseball.
Pete Rose was banned from baseball in 1989 after accusations of gambling on baseball games, including games in which he played and managed.
Pete Rose pleaded guilty to two charges of filing false income tax returns on April 20, 1990. The charges stemmed from his failure to report income from autograph signings, memorabilia sales, and horse racing winnings.
After serving five months in prison for tax evasion, Pete Rose was released on January 7, 1991. He had paid over $366,000 in back taxes and interest and was required to perform 1,000 hours of community service.
On February 4, 1991, the Hall of Fame voted to exclude individuals on the permanently ineligible list from induction by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA). This formalized an unwritten rule that barred such players from enshrinement. This decision impacted Pete Rose, who was on the ineligible list.
In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame officially banned anyone on the permanently ineligible list, which included Pete Rose, from induction.
In 1991, the National Baseball Hall of Fame's board of directors established a rule prohibiting players on the ineligible list, which includes those permanently banned from baseball, from being considered for induction.
In 1992, Pete Rose formally applied for reinstatement to Major League Baseball. However, Fay Vincent, who became Commissioner after Giamatti's death, did not act upon Rose's application.
In 1996, Pete Rose acknowledged Morgan Erin Rubio as his daughter in a settlement of a 1978 paternity lawsuit.
In 1997, Pete Rose Jr., son of Pete Rose, advanced to Major League Baseball for an 11-game stint with the Cincinnati Reds after spending sixteen years as a Minor League player.
In September 1998, Pete Rose submitted another application for reinstatement to Major League Baseball, this time to Commissioner Bud Selig. Despite speculation and Rose's continued pleas, Selig chose not to act on the application.
Between 1998 and 2000, Pete Rose appeared at WWE's WrestleMania events. In 1998, at WrestleMania XIV, he served as a guest ring announcer and was involved in a running gag with Kane.
In 1999, Pete Rose was selected as an outfielder on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Fans voted on the team from a list of the 100 greatest players compiled by a panel of experts.
In 1999, an exception was made to Pete Rose's ban, allowing him to participate in the pre-game introduction of the All-Century team before Game Two of the World Series. Rose received a loud ovation from the crowd at Turner Field in Atlanta.
In 2000, Pete Rose made his third appearance at a WWE WrestleMania event. He was again thwarted by Kane, continuing the running gag from previous years.
In a December 2002 interview, John Dowd, the lawyer who investigated Pete Rose's gambling activities, stated his belief that Rose likely bet against his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, while managing them.
In 2002, Pete Rose appeared during the World Series in a Mastercard-sponsored event recalling "Baseball's Most Memorable Moments." His record-breaking hit over Ty Cobb was voted the sixth most memorable moment in baseball history.
In 2002, Pete Rose appeared in a Halloween-themed commercial for WWE's No Mercy event, where he was chokeslammed by Kane. This continued their running gag from previous WrestleMania events.
In March 2003, Commissioner Bud Selig acknowledged publicly that he was considering Pete Rose's application for reinstatement. This statement fueled speculation about Rose's potential return to baseball, but ultimately, Selig took no action.
On January 8, 2004, Pete Rose admitted in his autobiography, "My Prison Without Bars," to betting on baseball games while playing for and managing the Reds. He also admitted to betting on Reds games but claimed he never bet against the team.
After years of public denial, in 2004, Pete Rose admitted to betting on baseball games, including those played by the Cincinnati Reds.
In 2004, Pete Rose was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame's Celebrity Wing. He was the first celebrity to be inducted and was honored at a ceremony prior to WrestleMania XX by Kane.
In March 2007, Pete Rose stated in an interview on The Dan Patrick Show on ESPN Radio that he bet on his team every night because he loved and believed in his team. This was part of his defense of his betting actions.
In 2009, Pete Rose discussed his open relationship with Playboy model Kiana Kim during an interview, expressing excitement about her potential opportunity with Playboy.
On March 22, 2010, Pete Rose was the guest host on WWE Raw. He set up a match between Shawn Michaels and Kane, which Michaels won. Later that night, Kane attacked Rose offscreen.
On September 11, 2010, Pete Rose wept and apologized during a roast held at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit. He acknowledged disrespecting baseball and expressed his love for the game and Cincinnati baseball.
In September 2010, MLB allowed Pete Rose to participate in a celebration at Great American Ball Park for the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit. This was one of the few events MLB permitted Rose to attend.
In 2010, Pete Rose was inducted into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals, which honors unique and significant contributions to baseball history.
In 2010, a report from Deadspin alleged that Pete Rose had used corked bats during his 1985 pursuit of Ty Cobb's hits record. This revelation cast a shadow over Rose's achievement and sparked controversy within the baseball community.
Pete Rose filed for divorce from his second wife, Carol J. Woliung, in March 2011, citing irreconcilable differences. He sought to acquire all memorabilia and possessions from before their marriage.
Pete Rose and Kiana Kim have been engaged since 2011. They later appeared in a national Skechers commercial during Super Bowl XLVIII.
On August 27, 2012, Pete Rose was briefly mentioned on WWE television during an anger management segment where Kane expressed his obsession with torturing Rose. Rose later gave an interview about his experiences with Kane's anger on WWE.com.
On January 14, 2013, the reality show "Pete Rose: Hits & Mrs." premiered on TLC, following Rose, his partner Kiana Kim, and his stepchildren Cassie and Ashton.
As of March 2014, Pete Rose earned over $1,000,000 annually from paid public appearances and autograph signings, especially around the Hall of Fame induction weekend in Cooperstown, New York. Despite not being able to attend the ceremonies, many fans gathered for his autograph.
On June 16, 2014, Pete Rose returned to managing a professional baseball team for one game as a guest manager of the Bridgeport Bluefish. His cameo did not violate his lifetime ban because the team played in the independent Atlantic League. Rose also coached first base and signed autographs as the Bluefish won 2–0.
On April 16, 2015, Fox Sports announced Pete Rose as a guest studio color analyst for MLB coverage on Fox and Fox Sports 1. He appeared on various shows including MLB on Fox pregame, MLB Whiparound, America's Pregame, and Fox Sports Live.
Pete Rose made his debut on Fox Sports 1 on May 11, 2015, as part of his role as a guest studio color analyst for MLB coverage.
In June 2015, an ESPN investigation concluded that Pete Rose gambled on baseball while playing and managing. They revealed records of Rose's bets obtained from an associate, confirming his involvement in gambling during his baseball career.
In 2015, Pete Rose participated in the festivities for the MLB All-Star Game held in Cincinnati. He took the field alongside his Reds teammates before the game.
In 2015, Pete Rose's representatives submitted an application for reinstatement to then-Commissioner Rob Manfred. However, Manfred rejected the request in December, stating that Rose was still betting on baseball and had not demonstrated a sufficient understanding of his past wrongdoing.
In July 2016, Pete Rose filed a defamation suit against John Dowd, who had alleged in a 2015 radio interview that Rose had committed statutory rape.
In 2016, Pete Rose was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Despite being ineligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, artifacts from Rose's career are displayed in the Hall's museum.
In 2016, the Cincinnati Reds retired Pete Rose's jersey. This honor had to be approved by MLB, given Rose's ineligible status.
In July 2017, court documents revealed allegations that Pete Rose had engaged in a sexual relationship with a minor in the 1970s, leading to the cancellation of his Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame ceremony.
In August 2017, Pete Rose was let go from Fox Sports following revelations of his sexual relationship with a teenager in the 1970s, which came to light during his legal battle against John Dowd.
On December 15, 2017, a defamation suit filed by Pete Rose against John Dowd was dismissed after both parties reached an agreement. The case stemmed from allegations of statutory rape made by Dowd in a 2015 radio interview.
In 2020, Pete Rose and his legal team submitted another application for reinstatement to Commissioner Rob Manfred, arguing that his gambling didn't affect game outcomes. He also petitioned the Hall of Fame to reconsider his eligibility, comparing his situation to players penalized for performance-enhancing drug use. Neither Manfred nor the Hall of Fame has issued a response to his petitions.
Pete Rose submitted another reinstatement application in 2022, expressing his desire to be considered for the Hall of Fame. Commissioner Rob Manfred swiftly rejected the request, stating that any Hall of Fame discussions would be left to the Veteran's Committee.
In March 2023, Commissioner Rob Manfred quickly dismissed speculation that MLB's partnerships with sportsbooks might lead to Pete Rose's reinstatement. He reiterated this stance at the All-Star Game, firmly stating that Rose's ban remained in place.