That which we call a rose

My apologies to Bill Shakespeare.

Is it not time to make the right decision on Peter Rose, and his exclusion from the Hall of Fame.
I have for a long time felt time that MLB needs to move towards granting Rose Hall status, but by the same token, continue to bar him from organized baseball. I do think that Rose's admitted actions of gambling is guilt enough that it should keep him from the game he loves for life.

Roses' actions however understood by those with gambling addictions are actions that can never be tolerated in any sport, at any time. Neither should we ignore his achievements on the field either.

In 24 seasons, this is what he accomplished,

3562 games played
14053 at bats
2165 runs scored
4256 hits
746 doubles
135 triples
160 home runs
1314 ribbies
lifetime .303 batting average
1963 Rookie of the Year
3 time batting average leader
17 All Star appearances
.987 combined fielding percentage ( over 6 different positions )

Impressed, you should be, not many played game the way Charlie Hustle did, as well, and for as long. Rose was once quoted as saying " I'd walk through hell in a gasoline suit just to play this game ". Ever see him not run out a ground ball ? Not try and break up a double play ? Not tagged up on a fly ball, never ! Rose played the game on the field the way Cobb did, with ferocity, with passion, and with purpose.

As for his lifetime banishment, I agreed at the time, but I was more hurt that he would attack the reputation of the game. I have since then watched many pro athletes get multiple chances, and wondered if he would get one as well. Bud Selig has dropped hints, but nothing yet. Hank Aaron thinks it's time, and Hank was a contemporary of Rose, so he watched him perform up close, and never felt that Rose pulled back or held up, that on the field he game all he had.

So, if Hank Aaron thinks it's time for his entry into the HOF, that is good enough for me.