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 from 1963-1989. Notably with the Cincinnati Reds' "Big Red Machine" in the 1970s, he also played for the Philadelphia Phillies, winning a World Series in 1980, and briefly for the Montreal Expos. Rose managed the Reds from 1984-1989.

Sections (7)

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

1978: Referenced in "Zanzibar" by Billy Joel

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

1980: MLB Refuses Rose participation in anniversary

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

1985: Andy Warhol Screenprint

In 1985, Andy Warhol produced a limited edition screenprint featuring Pete Rose as the subject.

September 1, 1989: Death of Commissioner Giamatti

On September 1, 1989, Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti died of a heart attack, eight days after announcing Pete Rose's suspension.

February 4, 1991: Hall of Fame Excludes Ineligible Individuals

On February 4, 1991, the Hall of Fame formally voted to exclude individuals on the permanently ineligible list from being inducted by way of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) vote.

1992: Rose's Name on the Writers' Ballot

Had Pete Rose not been banned from baseball, his name could have been on the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) ballot beginning in 1992.

1999: Rose Selected to All-Century Team

In 1999, Pete Rose was selected as an outfielder on the Major League Baseball All-Century Team after fans voted on a list of the 100 greatest players.

1999: Rose Participates in World Series Pre-Game

In 1999, despite his ban, Pete Rose was allowed to participate in the pre-game introduction of the All-Century team before Game Two of the World Series between the Atlanta Braves and the New York Yankees and received the loudest ovation.

2002: Rose Appears During World Series

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

2006: Rose's Name on the Writers' Ballot

Had Pete Rose not been banned from baseball, his name could have been on the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) ballot ending in 2006.

2007: Rose Eligible for Consideration by the Veterans Committee

In 2007, Pete Rose would have been eligible for consideration by the Veterans Committee, but did not appear on the ballot.

2008: Veterans Committee Bars Ineligible Players

In 2008, the Veterans Committee barred players and managers on the ineligible list from consideration.

2008: Reference 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, references Pete Rose and his supporters.

September 11, 2010: Rose Acknowledges Disrespecting Baseball

On September 11, 2010, at a roast in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, commemorating the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit, Pete Rose wept and acknowledged that he had "disrespected baseball", apologizing to Pérez and other members of the Big Red Machine.

September 2010: 25th Anniversary Celebration at Great American Ball Park

In September 2010, MLB allowed Pete Rose to participate in a celebration at Great American Ball Park commemorating the 25th anniversary of his 4,192nd hit.

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

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

March 2014: Rose Earns Over $1,000,000 Annually from Autograph Signings

As of March 2014, Pete Rose was earning more than $1,000,000 annually from paid public appearances and autograph signings, including events in Cooperstown during Hall of Fame induction weekend.

2015: Rose participates in All-Star Game Festivities

In 2015, Pete Rose was allowed to participate in the festivities for the 2015 MLB All-Star Game, held in Cincinnati, and 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, a decision that had to be approved by MLB.

2016: Induction into Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame

In 2016, Pete Rose was inducted into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame.

2021: Ineligible Players List

In 2021, Roberto Alomar was banned for sexual misconduct and put on the ineligible list, and Pete Rose was already on this list.

2024: Ineligible Players List

In 2024, Pete Rose and Tucupita Marcano were the only living former players on the ineligible list.

February 10, 2025: Reds to Honor Rose with Uniform Patches

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

March 1, 2025: Trump Promises Posthumous Pardon

On March 1, 2025, President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he would grant Pete Rose a posthumous pardon, while also criticizing MLB and the BBWAA for Rose's ban and advocating for his reinstatement and Hall of Fame induction. Manfred responded by stating he would review Rose's ineligibility, following a petition from Rose's estate submitted in January.

2025: Longest Suspension for On-Field Incident

As of 2025, Pete Rose's thirty-day suspension in 1988 remains the longest suspension levied against a manager for an on-field incident in the National League.