Cincinnati Reds Pete Rose Bowls Over Ray Fosse

Despite the claims that the All Star Game means something, it is still a friendly exhibition between leagues, where the best players of the year fraternise and get to enjoy a break for a few days. However, that was not always the case. On this day in 1970, Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose bowled over Ray Fosse in one of the more infamous moments in All Star Game history.

During his playing career, Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose was quite unlike any player in his time. A throwback to the early days of baseball, Rose hustled every play, pushing himself to be the best ever and trying to win at all costs. Personal relationships would not stand in the way; if you were between Rose and his goal, you would be run over or would move out of the way.

This unfortunate lesson was something that Cleveland Indians catcher Ray Fosse discovered during the 1970 All Star Game. We all remember the moment that Rose collided with Fosse, scoring the winning run on Jim Hickman‘s 12th inning base hit. The collision injured Fosse’s shoulder to the point where he was taken to the hospital, and began the belief that his career was ruined because of that play.

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It is certainly true that Fosse was in the midst of a career year at the time, but his career was not derailed due to that collision. In fact, Fosse not only won a Gold Glove that season, but also made the All Star Game and won another Gold Glove in 1971. He may have only had four seasons as a starting catcher in his career, but Fosse was a relatively solid player for most of his twelve years in the Majors.

One of the interesting side notes from this moment was that Fosse and Rose had been on friendly terms. The previous night, Fosse had Rose as his guest for dinner, entertaining him prior to their impromptu meeting on the mound.

Yet, that was Rose’s way. Just as he proved when it came to his gambling addiction, he just could not help himself when it came to, well, anything that he was competing in. The All Star Game may have just been a glorified friendly scrimmage, but to Rose, it was a matter of the utmost importance. Fosse, who had him as a guest for dinner, may have been in the way, but he was just collateral damage.

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Pete Rose played the game at full throttle at all times. On this day in 1970, he brought that hustle to the All Star Game, in what may be the most infamous moment in the history of the Midsummer Classic.