On May 13, 2025, Major League Baseball announced a game-changing policy: permanent ineligibility ends upon a player’s death. For Pete Rose, who died in September 2024 at 83 from a heart condition, this means he’s no longer on MLB’s banned list (MLB.com). As baseball’s all-time hit leader with 4,256 hits, Rose’s removal has sparked heated debate about his Baseball Hall of Fame eligibility. His on-field brilliance makes a strong case for induction, but the Hall’s character clause, tied to his gambling scandal and off-field issues, creates hurdles. This post explores why Rose deserves a spot in Cooperstown, how he violated the character clause, and what MLB’s decision means for his legacy.
Jeston is a former student of Texas A&M, the author of the Jesse Granger: Bushranger series, and an avid wildlife conservation advocate.