In a stunning and long-anticipated decision, Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has officially posthumously removed Pete Rose from MLB’s permanent ineligible list, effectively ending one of the most contentious chapters in baseball history. The announcement was quickly followed by a statement from Bob Castellini, principal owner of the Cincinnati Reds, expressing both relief and reverence.
“Today, the game of baseball — and the city of Cincinnati — takes a historic step toward healing,” Castellini said in a written statement. “Pete Rose’s contributions to the sport and to this franchise are undeniable. While this recognition comes too late for Pete to witness personally, his legacy is now, at last, rightfully acknowledged.”
A Controversial Ban Lifted
Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, was banned from baseball in 1989 after an investigation concluded he had bet on games while managing the Reds. Despite a prolific playing career — which included three World Series championships, 17 All-Star selections, and a reputation as one of the game’s fiercest competitors — Rose’s fall from grace was sharp and absolute.
For decades, Rose and his supporters lobbied for reinstatement, particularly to allow eligibility for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. While Manfred had previously denied Rose’s request during his lifetime, this posthumous reversal marks a major shift in MLB’s approach to Rose’s legacy.
Reds Organization Honors a Hometown Hero
The Cincinnati Reds, the team most closely associated with Rose’s career, were swift to issue plans to formally honor him during the upcoming 2025 season, which will coincide with the franchise’s 155th anniversary.
“Pete Rose is part of the DNA of Reds baseball,” Castellini continued. “We will work with his family and with Major League Baseball to ensure his legacy is celebrated in a manner worthy of his impact on the game.”
Insiders report that discussions are already underway for a statue unveiling, jersey re-retirement ceremony, and possibly a permanent Hall of Honor exhibit at Great American Ball Park.
Fans React with Emotion
The response from Reds fans has been immediate and emotional. For many, Rose’s reinstatement is seen not only as justice for a baseball legend, but as a long-overdue tribute to a player who embodied the grit and determination of the Queen City.
Cincinnati Mayor Angela Whitworth released her own statement, saying, “Pete Rose helped put Cincinnati baseball on the map. While this news comes with a bittersweet note, the city stands united in honoring one of our own.”
What Comes Next?
Although MLB’s statement clarified that reinstatement does not automatically ensure Hall of Fame induction — which remains under the purview of the Hall’s Board of Directors — it does open the door for Rose’s candidacy to be reconsidered, possibly as early as 2026.
For now, Reds fans and baseball historians alike are focused on what this means for the legacy of one of the sport’s most polarizing, but undeniably iconic, figures.
Pete Rose is no longer banned. The Hit King has officially returned — in legacy, in memory, and in baseball history.