MLB Removes Lifetime Ban on Pete Rose, Opens Hall of Fame Eligibility

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has posthumously lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose, making him eligible for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time since his ban in 1989. Manfred stated that the purposes of the ban—protecting the game's integrity and deterring future violations—are fulfilled upon the individual's death, as they no longer pose a threat. Rose was banned for betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, a violation of MLB rules, but remains the all-time hit leader with 4,256 hits and multiple accolades. Despite eligibility, prominent voices like Tony Kornheiser doubt Rose's immediate election, citing the baseball writers' historical reluctance to induct players linked to gambling and other controversies. The decision opens broader discussions about the Hall of Fame future for other controversial figures such as Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Shoeless Joe Jackson, whose bans were also lifted posthumously. While the move signals that Rose has "served his time," it remains uncertain whether the Hall of Fame will enshrine him, as the ultimate decision rests with baseball writers and era committees.