Pete Rose likely made Phillies rethink their decision

The Philadelphia Phillies took a public relations chance by inviting Pete Rose back to be on the field for Sunday’s honoring of the 1980 World Champions. As it turns out, it was a chance that likely, in retrospect, wasn’t worth the risk.

A comment from Pete Rose on Sunday may have been more than the Philadelphia Phillies were bargaining for when they honored the 1980 World Series winners

It’s no secret that the Philadelphia Phillies have been distancing themselves from Pete Rose for some time, especially with allegations that he had a relationship with a minor during his playing days looming over him, as well as his lifetime ban from baseball as a punishment for betting on the sport. However, when the plans to honor the 1980 Phillies were announced as a part of Alumni Weekend, the franchise made sure that Rose would be welcomed rather than a distraction.

“In planning the 1980 reunion, we consulted with Pete’s teammates about his inclusion,” the Phillies said in a statement. “Everyone wants Pete to be part of the festivities since there would be no trophy in 1980 without him. In addition, the club received permission from the Commissioner’s Office to invite Pete as a member of the championship team.”

However, one question and Rose’s answer to it threw a completely different light on the entire day.

It didn’t get any better from there, once someone in Rose’s camp was alerted to the situation.

Rose and his entourage had to have known that the question was going to be asked. How he wasn’t prepped for how to answer it with compassion and understanding is mind-boggling, considering the day wasn’t just about him, but his former teammates as well.

In the past, the Phillies have gone as far as destroying Pete Rose bobbleheads and canceling his induction onto the team’s Wall of Fame over the allegations. However, the franchise rolled the dice that bringing Rose back for one game wouldn’t cause such a black eye. The gamble failed, even though Rose received a standing ovation when he was introduced, with Phillies fans likely cheering the player rather than the person.

Pete Rose was a legendary baseball player, but there are enough red flags about his past actions that should make any team think hard about including him in any activity. Sunday was a stark reminder about that.