How Pete Rose Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

How the contributions of Pete Rose continue to shape the world today.

Pete Rose, nicknamed "Charlie Hustle," was a prominent MLB player and manager. Best known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" in the 1970s, he also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos. Rose is MLB's all-time leader in hits (4,256) and several other categories. He won three World Series championships and an MVP award. As a manager for the Reds (1984-1989) his career was overshadowed after receiving a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 for betting on baseball games.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1940: First Championship since 1940

In 1975, Rose earned World Series MVP honors in leading the Reds to their first championship since 1940.

1978: Referenced in Zanzibar by Billy Joel

In 1978, Pete Rose was referenced in the lyrics of the song "Zanzibar" originally released by Billy Joel on the 52nd Street album.

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1980: MLB Refuses Participation in Phillies Anniversary

In 1980, MLB refused to allow Pete Rose to participate in 1980 Phillies anniversary celebrations.

1985: Andy Warhol screenprint

In 1985, pop-artist Andy Warhol produced a limited edition screenprint in which Rose was the subject.

1991: Hall of Fame Ban for Ineligible Players

In 1991, the Baseball Hall of Fame formally voted to ban those on the "permanently ineligible" list from induction.

1999: Participation in All-Century Team Introduction

In 1999, Pete Rose was allowed to participate in the pre-game introduction of the All-Century team before Game Two of the World Series, receiving the loudest ovation from the crowd at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia, despite never having been a member of the Braves.

1999: Selected for MLB All-Century Team

In 1999, Pete Rose was selected as an outfielder on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team after fans voted on the players using paper and online ballots.

2002: Appearance During World Series

In 2002, Pete Rose appeared during the World Series in a Mastercard-sponsored event recalling "Baseball's Most Memorable Moments", where fans voted Rose's record-breaking hit over Ty Cobb as the sixth most memorable moment in baseball history.

2008: Referenced in Cleveland by Luke Doucet and the White Falcon

In 2008, the song Cleveland by Luke Doucet and the White Falcon, on the Blood's Too Rich album, refers to Rose and his supporters.

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September 11, 2010: Rose Apologizes for Disrespecting Baseball

On September 11, 2010, at a roast held at Hollywood Casino Lawrenceburg in Indiana on the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit, Pete Rose wept while acknowledging he had "disrespected baseball" and apologized to Pérez and other members of the Big Red Machine.

September 2010: 25th Anniversary Celebration of 4,192nd Hit

In September 2010, MLB allowed Pete Rose to participate in a celebration at Great American Ball Park of the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit, while MLB otherwise refused to allow Rose to participate in other events in Cincinnati.

2010: Inducted into Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals

In 2010, Rose was inducted into the Baseball Reliquary's Shrine of the Eternals.

2015: Rose Participates in MLB All-Star Game Festivities

In 2015, the year before his retirement, Selig stated that Pete Rose could participate in the festivities for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, held in Cincinnati, and Rose took the field alongside Reds teammates prior to the game.

2016: Reds Retire Rose's Jersey

In 2016, Pete Rose had his jersey retired by the Reds, an event that had to be approved by MLB.

September 30, 2024: Peter Edward Rose Sr. Died

Peter Edward Rose Sr., nicknamed "Charlie Hustle", died on September 30, 2024. He was a professional baseball player and manager.

February 10, 2025: Reds to honor Rose with #14 patches

On February 10, 2025, the Reds announced that they would add #14 patches to their uniforms throughout the entire season in Rose's honor.

March 1, 2025: Trump Announces Posthumous Pardon

On March 1, 2025, Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would be giving Pete Rose a posthumous pardon, criticized MLB and the BBWAA, and called for Rose's reinstatement and Hall of Fame induction. Manfred responded by saying he would review the ineligibility.

May 13, 2025: Rose Reinstated by MLB

On May 13, 2025, Pete Rose and other deceased MLB players were reinstated from the ineligible list by Manfred, who also declared that bans would expire upon death in the future.