Once again our nation faces a most difficult situation. It must decide -- will it let Pete Rose be reinstated into major league baseball?
Charlie Hustle earned that moniker both literally and figuratively. Whether it was charging into Ray Fosse or charging little kids for his autograph, Rose gave it his all.
Did Rose run out every ground ball? You bet. Did he get a hit when he needed to? More than most. Did he take a hit on an inside pitch? Often. Did he slide hard, knock anything down that he could get to and tip his cap to the crowd? Anytime he could. It was show time and he had to be the star.
Did Rose like to gamble? He's not alone. Did he bet on baseball? You bet. On his own team? Without a doubt. Did it ever hurt? Only if he made today's game more important than another.
Rose knew better but then he's always been bigger than the game. It's only been a means to an end.
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So does he deserve to be reinstated and eligible for the Hall of Fame? He has the statistics.
Well maybe his advocates can't wait. I can.
Ron Schmidt
Tolna, N.D.
