Best MLB players not in the Hall of Fame: Cincinnati Reds, Pete Rose
WAR value: 78.1
Pete Rose is an extremely unique case on this list. While we have several alleged PED users included, Rose never enhanced his body to help his performance. But he committed the ultimate sin in the eyes of the league. That is betting on the game.
Everyone likely has taken a side to this argument by now. But regardless of what Rose did while serving as a manager, his playing days are among the best we have ever seen. He retired with 4,256 hits and 17 All-Star Game appearances. He was also a Rookie of the Year, MVP, and a three-time World Series champion. Rose truly did it all in addition to hitting the ball at a record rate.
Yet his name is synonymous with betting on baseball. The issue appears to be the way Rose handled himself once MLB started looking into the matter. Also, the fact he bet while as a manager seemed to be a much bigger issue than if he did so as a player.
Rose is a player who presents a case where it is foolish to keep his hit record out of the Hall of Fame. While the Hall won’t consider those banned from the game, a piece of baseball history is missing its proper recognition.
Will Rose ever get in? That may depend on if a new MLB Commissioner one day decides enough punishment is enough. It would then be up to voters to determine if they are over the fact he did bet on the game while serving as a manager. The sin won’t go away even if the ban does.