Pete Rose
Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, is synonymous with the Cincinnati Reds and was an integral part of two World Series Championships for them.
However, he also helped bring the Phillies a championship in 1980 and a National League pennant in 1983. Charlie Hustle, having spent what most would consider a full career of 16 seasons in Cincy, left the Reds during free agency after the 1978 season. He brought his head-first, hard-nosed style of play to Philadelphia and played a key role alongside Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton, Tug McGraw, and Bob Boone to bring the city the baseball championship it had long been searching for.
Rose’s time in Philadelphia didn’t end on a high note, as he was released by the Phillies after the 1983 campaign. While he had a poor season in ‘83, batting just .245, Rose wasn’t done yet and wanted to get back on the diamond for a 22nd MLB season, ultimately signing with the Expos.
He barely had time to get acclimated to life north of the border in Montreal before being traded back to the Reds where he was brought in not just for his bat, but also to manage the team. His playing days ended after the ‘86 season and he could not bring the Reds back to the playoffs.