Now, all that awaits is a reinstatement to baseball.
Speaking with the Associated Press Sports Editors on Thursday, newly-appointed Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred said that Pete Rose will participate in this summer's All-Star Game in Cincinnati on July 14. Of course, it was Rose who accepted a lifetime ban back in 1989 after an investigation discovered that he bet on the Reds to win, while managing the ball club.
Although Manfred didn't mention the exact capacity in which Rose's role at the mid-summer classic will be, this could serve as the groundwork to eventually lifting the all-time hit king's lifetime ban and reinstating him back to the Majors. Doing so, would allow Rose to finally be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Manfred added that he plans to speak with Reds owner Bob Castellini to figure out Rose's exact role and level of participation for the All-Star Game. The commish reportedly told the APSE "you can rest assured he will be allowed to participate."
Rose's appearance at the All-Star Game marks the first time since 2013 that the MLB allowed him to take part in a ceremony, as he was on hand for the Reds to honor their 1975-76 championship teams.
Thursday's news follows Rose sending Manfred a formal request to lift his lifetime ban just last month.
Rose, 73, remains the MLB's all-time hits leader with 4,256.
Already, baseball fans on Twitter are barking up the tree to put Rose in the Hall of Fame.
Pete Rose not only deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, he deserves to be a unanimous selection and you're terrible if you disagree.
— Hawkize (@Hawkize) April 23, 2015
Be sure to follow T-Lounge on Twitter and visit our Facebook page
