It was just over a month ago that Major League Baseball announced that Pete Rose would remain banned from Major League Baseball. Yet, Rose is going to be honored in a very special way in a Major League Ballpark by a Major League franchise. Rose's number will be officially retired in Cincinnati and Rose will be put into the Reds Hall of Fame.
The Reds issued a press release announcing that Rose will be enshrined in Reds history:
"Inducting Pete into the Reds Hall of Fame and retiring his iconic number 14 will be a defining moment in the 147-year history of this storied franchise," said Bob Castellini, Reds President and CEO. "He is one of the greatest players to ever wear a Reds uniform and it will be an unforgettable experience watching him being honored as such."
"Pete Rose's on-field achievements and impact on the Reds and its fan base are unquestionable and worthy of induction into the Reds Hall of Fame," said Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame & Museum. "We look forward to this summer where, in front of his fans and with his teammates, 'Charlie Hustle' will be recognized for his contributions to the rich and distinguished history of the Reds."
The release does not address Rose's standing in the game.
The move could mean that the lifetime ban only refers to holding positions in an organization. At 74 years old, Rose likely would not be managing, but probably would hold a position in an organization if he was eligible. If this sets the standard that banned players can still take part in organizations as an alumnus of an organization, then are the Phillies next?
The Phillies retired number 14 in 2001, but not for Rose. Instead, the number is retired for Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Bunning. But, it does not look promising for Rose unless the Phillies change policies. In a 2001 article from Bob Brookover of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Phillies executive Larry Shenk reminded the public that a Phillies player must be in the Hall of Fame to have a number retired:
Although the No. 14 is being retired in honor of Bunning, the Phillies also have received requests to retire that number for both Del Ennis, a popular outfielder who was a member of the 1950 Whiz Kids, and Pete Rose, the leader of the Phillies' only world-championship team in 1980.
"We certainly appreciate the response and understand the feelings of the fans," Shenk said. "Since Hall of Fame status is the prerequisite for having a number retired by the Phillies, Bunning is due this honor. We hope that Del and Pete can be provided the same Hall of Fame honor in the future and that we can add more names to number 14."
The last Phillies player to wear number 14 was catcher Gary Bennett. Bennett changed his number to 4 for the 2001 season in the brief time he was on the roster before he was traded to the New York Mets for catcher Todd Pratt.
The only player who ever wore number 14 since Rose last managed the Reds in 1989 is his son, Pete Rose, Jr. The younger Rose appeared in 14 games for the Reds in 1997. Rose, Jr. was drafted by the Reds in 1988, when his father was still manager of the Reds.
At the very least, the Phillies could add Rose to the Wall of Fame and let him take part in annual alumni ceremonies. While Rose had a more storied career with the Reds than the Phillies, he was an integral part of the first Phillies World Championship. If the Reds can do it, so can the Phillies.
