The Phillies found themselves in a very difficult situation Monday and Tuesday. Less than two weeks of their planned induction of Pete Rose to the Phillies Wall of Fame, allegations arose from a woman who said that she was in a sexual relationship with Rose prior to her 16th birthday. Rose confirmed the relationship, but said that he felt she was 16 years of age before it began. The issue caused the Phillies to have to make a decision about next week's festivities.
Sports Radio WIP's Howard Eskin was the first to report that the Phillies will announce this afternoon that they will cancel the Pete Rose celebrations:
Sources: #phillies will cancel Pete Rose Wall Of Fame night. Tuesday it was a go but something had to change their mind 2day @SportsRadioWIP
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) August 2, 2017
Jason Myrtetus of 97.5 the Fanatic separately reported the same thing just minutes later.
The Phillies released the following statement about 12:00 noon:
Pete Rose will not participate in Phillies Alumni Weekend events. Full statement attached. pic.twitter.com/EWB9BD7cy0
— Phillies (@Phillies) August 2, 2017
The Phillies declined to induct Rose up until 2017. The Cincinnati Reds inducted Rose into the Reds Hall of Fame just last year, after new commissioner Rob Manfred upheld Rose's lifetime ban, but allowed for Rose to participate in activities that did not amount to Rose working for a ballclub. With many tickets sold and tens of thousands of Rose bobble figurines set to be given away, the Phillies probably will have to look for an alternate activity for Alumni Weekend.
Sports Talk Philly's Tim Kelly suggested that the Phillies honor runner-up Scott Rolen Other names on the ballot besides Rose include Rolen, Steve Bedrosian, Larry Christenson, Jim Fregosi, Gene Garber, Placido Polanco, Ron Reed, Manny Trillo and Rick Wise.
