Cincinnati Reds To Induct Pete Rose into Hall of Fame

Jun 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds former great Pete Rose (14) is hugged by former teammate Tony Perez during a ceremony honoring the 1976 World Series champion team before a game with the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Former players Ken Griffey (30) and George Foster (15) watch. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds former great Pete Rose (14) is hugged by former teammate Tony Perez during a ceremony honoring the 1976 World Series champion team before a game with the San Diego Padres at Great American Ball Park. Former players Ken Griffey (30) and George Foster (15) watch. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

Given his accomplishments in a Cincinnati Reds uniform, it seems odd that Pete Rose was not in the Reds Hall of Fame. Now, Rose, who is prominently involved in the Hall, will be inducted as well.

The chances of Pete Rose ever being inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame are minimal at best. His lifetime ban had been upheld by Rob Manfred, ensuring that Rose will not be in Cooperstown any time in the near future. However, he has been allowed to be around the Cincinnati Reds and the game in general.

As much as that would be a concession for Rose, his place in the game is being given a bit more notice lately. He has been a part of the Reds celebrations, including when he was named as part of the Franchise Four, and during the celebration of the 1976 World Series champions last night. Now, he is getting another honor, as Rose is set to be inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame today, and will have his number retired on Sunday.

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This honor is a long time coming, although circumstances dictated that the wait would be longer than either the Reds or Rose likely wanted. Any celebration of Rose had to be put on hold due to his lifetime ban for gambling, but now that Manfred is allowing Rose  to be a part of these celebrations, his career accomplishments can be celebrated by the Reds.

Rose will also see his number 14 officially retired by the Reds. Since he was forced out of baseball due to his lifetime ban, the number has been worn only once, by his son Pete Rose Jr during his brief stint in Cincinnati in 1997.

This is just a part of a weekend celebrating Rose in Cincinnati. Fittingly, these honors are being bestowed upon Rose while the Reds face the San Diego Padres, the team that he got his record setting hit against. Unfortunately, the Reds have not lived up to their part of the bargain, dropping the opening game game yesterday, but the day was more about celebrating Rose and his career.

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The Cincinnati Reds will finally retire Pete Rose’s number and induct him into their Hall of Fame. These honors are  along time coming, and well deserved.