As baseball’s Opening Day looms, President Donald Trump isn’t holding back on his criticism of Major League Baseball (MLB) and its Hall of Fame voters, particularly when it comes to the legendary Pete Rose. On Friday night, Trump voiced his frustration on Truth Social, blasting MLB leadership for not enshrining the all-time hit leader in Cooperstown, even after his death.
Trump, a lifelong baseball fan, called out the lack of courage and decency in the decision to keep Rose out of the Baseball Hall of Fame. “Major League Baseball didn’t have the courage or decency to put the late, great Pete Rose, also known as ‘Charlie Hustle,’ into the Baseball Hall of Fame,” Trump wrote.
The President’s remarks came shortly after Rose passed away in September at the age of 83, leaving fans and sports enthusiasts questioning why the iconic Cincinnati Reds player had never been inducted into the Hall, despite his unparalleled achievements on the field. “Now he is dead, will never experience the thrill of being selected, even though he was a FAR BETTER PLAYER than most who made it, and can only be named posthumously. WHAT A SHAME!” Trump lamented.
Pete Rose: A Legend Who Deserved More Recognition
Trump’s assessment of Rose’s career is not unfounded. Rose, one of the most prolific players in baseball history, holds the all-time record for hits with 4,256, a feat that still stands as a monumental achievement in the sport. Despite his immense talent and accomplishments, Rose was permanently banned from MLB in 1989 after an investigation revealed he had bet on baseball games, including those involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds.
Though Rose admitted to betting on baseball, he vehemently denied ever betting against his team or attempting to influence the outcome of any game. However, the scandal resulted in a lifetime ban from the sport, making him ineligible for induction into the Hall of Fame.
Trump, however, expressed that Rose’s indiscretions shouldn’t overshadow his legacy. “He shouldn’t have been gambling on baseball, but only ever on HIS TEAM WINNING,” Trump stated, adding that Rose “never bet against himself, or the other team.” The President also made a bold declaration: “Over the next few weeks, I will be signing a complete PARDON of Pete Rose.”
A Powerful Legacy and a Call to Action
