The former MLB commissioner spoke out strongly about Pete Rose’s induction into the Hall of Fame following his death

Pete Rose’s death on Monday has reignited the debate over whether he should one way or another be removed from the MLB ineligible list and elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Former MLB commissioner Fay Vincent played a role in the former Cincinnati Reds coach’s approval to be placed on the ineligible list. Vincent was deputy commissioner at the time. When Rose requested his reinstatement after Vincent took over the job following the death of Bart Giamatti, he did not respond. Rose’s requests for reinstatement were never accepted.

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MLB Commissioner Fay Vincent speaks to reporters before the 1991 MLB All-Star Game at the Sky Dome in Toronto on July 9, 1991. (RVR Photos-USA TODAY Sports)

Vincent, now 86, spoke about Rose’s career to The Athletic after Rose’s death was announced.

“I think he was committed to baseball in the spirit of the game, and his dedication was definitely intense,” Vincent told the outlet. “He had a number of issues relating to his standards of conduct. He made some mistakes as he progressed, and by the time I got to know him and Bart and I took him up on the betting issue, it was really too late.”

“I mean, he had formed his attitude and his character, and I’m afraid he really thought that money was so important, and he bet a lot, and he lost a lot, and I think the corruption problem in his life.” was a serious matter.”

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Montreal Expos Pete Rose, No. 14, celebrates his 4,000th career hit with his teammates against the Philadelphia Phillies at Olympic Stadium in Montreal on April 13, 1984. (Ron Poling/The Canadian Press via AP, File)

Vincent admitted that Rose’s death made it “easier” for him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame – especially given the sport’s acceptance of gambling. However, he made it clear whether he belonged in the Hall of Fame.

“Do I think he belongs in the Hall of Fame? “I don’t think anyone who participates in the corruption of the game like he did belongs in the Hall of Fame,” Vincent said. “I think honors should have a moral dimension. Otherwise we have to hold the ceremony in the prison yard because the prisoner has to leave his cell to be honored in the prison yard.” I don’t think that’s a good thing.

He added that if Rose had come in at all, admitted wrongdoing and made an effort to stop young people from betting on baseball, he probably would have gotten in on it some time ago.

Former Philadelphia Phillies player Pete Rose waves to fans during an alumni day on August 7, 2022 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

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Rose also remained on the ineligible list as a three-time World Series champion and MLB’s all-time hitter king.

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