(ProsperNews.net) – Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, has passed away at the age of 83. Known as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history, Rose collected a record 4,256 hits over his remarkable 24-year career. His death was confirmed by the Clark County Coroner in Nevada, with Rose’s agent, Ryan Fiterman, also confirming the news.
Rose made his MLB debut in 1963 with his hometown team, the Cincinnati Reds, where he played for 19 seasons and later managed for three. A fierce competitor, Rose was nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” for his relentless play on the field. Throughout his career, Rose earned three World Series titles, was named league MVP in 1973, and became a 17-time All-Star. He also won three batting titles and was Rookie of the Year in his debut season.
However, Rose’s legacy has been marred by a gambling scandal that resulted in his permanent ban from baseball in 1989. While managing the Reds, Rose was accused of betting on games, including those involving his own team. In 2004, Rose admitted to betting on baseball, and a 2015 ESPN investigation further revealed that he had bet on games during his time as both a player and manager. Despite multiple attempts to be reinstated and eligible for the Hall of Fame, Rose remains banned.
Although the gambling controversy has overshadowed his career, Rose’s on-field accomplishments are undeniable. A switch-hitter, he holds several major league records, including most games played (3,562) and most at-bats (14,053). Rose also ranks first in singles (3,215) and finished his career with a .303 batting average, 746 doubles, 1,314 RBIs, and 160 home runs.
During his time with the Reds, Rose was a key part of “The Big Red Machine,” a dominant team that included Hall of Famers like Joe Morgan and Johnny Bench. He later played for the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos before returning to the Reds as player-manager, breaking Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record in 1985.
Though Rose’s chances of entering the Baseball Hall of Fame remain slim, he was inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame in 2016, with the team retiring his iconic No. 14. Despite his controversial legacy, Rose will forever be remembered as one of the game’s greatest players.
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