Pete Rose, the iconic baseball player and all-time hits leader in Major League Baseball, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the age of 83. According to the Clark County Coroner's Office in Nevada, Rose died from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition characterized by thick and stiff blood vessels that force the heart to work harder and impede the circulation of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Rose, known affectionately as 'Charlie Hustle,' had a storied career that spanned 24 seasons, including 19 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. He holds numerous MLB records, including the most hits (4,256), games played (3,562), at-bats (14,053), and singles (3,215). Rose was a key member of the Reds' Big Red Machine, which won World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He also won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980 and was awarded the National League MVP in 1973.
Career Highlights and Controversies
Rose's career was marked by both incredible achievements and significant controversy. He broke Ty Cobb's hits record on September 11, 1985, a moment that brought the game to a standstill as the crowd cheered. However, his career took a complicated turn when he was permanently banned from baseball in August 1989 due to allegations that he gambled on games, including those involving his own team. This ban also excluded him from being eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Despite years of public denial, Rose admitted to the allegations in his 2004 autobiography, 'Pete Rose: My Story.' He continued to fight for his reinstatement but was consistently denied. Rose was, however, inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame and had his number 14 jersey retired by the Cincinnati Reds in 2016.
Final Days and Tributes
In the days leading up to his death, Rose was seen in a wheelchair at an autograph signing event at the Music City Sports Collectibles and Autograph Show in Nashville, Tennessee. Here, he posed with former teammates from the Big Red Machine, including Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez, and Ken Griffey Sr. This would be one of his last public appearances.
Major League Baseball and the Cincinnati Reds have extended their deepest condolences to Rose's family and fans. MLB stated, 'Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Roses family, his friends across the game, and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Montreal and beyond who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace'.
Former teammate Johnny Bench and other baseball personalities, including Alex Rodriguez, have also paid tribute to Rose, highlighting his passion for the game and his enduring legacy. Bench said, 'My heart is sad. I loved you Peter Edward. You made all of us better. No matter the life we led. No one can replace you'.
Pete Rose's health had been declining in recent years, with court documents from his divorce case in 2018 revealing that he was 'in poor health and disabled,' struggling to walk, and undergoing multiple heart procedures. Despite these challenges, Rose remained active, frequently appearing at sports memorabilia shows and Las Vegas casinos.
