Reds Honor Pete Rose as MLB Lifts Ban, Igniting Hall of Fame Debate

Cincinnati erupted in celebration Wednesday night as the Cincinnati Reds honored Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader, following Major League Baseball’s decision to lift his permanent ban. Fans flooded Great American Ballpark, chanting "Pete! Pete!" and donning Rose jerseys, their enthusiasm echoing through the stadium. A pregame moment of silence and a choir from Rose’s Cincinnati high school set a poignant tone, while highlights of his storied career lit up the video board.

Pete Rose Jr. captured the city’s sentiment, saying, "He’s our Babe Ruth." For locals, Rose embodies Cincinnati’s grit and passion, a player who never took a play off, diving headfirst into every game. The night was a heartfelt homecoming, with Rose Jr. noting it couldn’t have been more perfect.

Rose’s ban stemmed from gambling on Reds games as both player and manager, a scandal he admitted to in 2004 after years of denial. Allegations of sexual misconduct later compounded his controversial legacy. Yet, his on-field brilliance—marked by relentless hustle and competitive fire—remains undeniable. Reds reliever Brent Suter recalled stories of Rose’s tenacity, while manager Terry Francona, a former teammate, praised his unmatched passion.

With the ban lifted, Rose’s path to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown is now open, sparking debates over his rightful place among baseball’s immortals. Francona put it simply: "If he’s not in, there is no Hall of Fame." For Cincinnati, though, Wednesday was about celebrating a hometown legend whose legacy transcends the controversies.