MLB Commissioner Reinstates Pete Rose, Banned Players for Hall of Fame Consideration

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred defended his decision to reinstate Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and other deceased players from the league's permanently ineligible list, calling the move "overdue" and consistent with the original agreements made with Rose. Manfred explained that the ineligible list effectively bans individuals from working in baseball, so there is no logical reason to keep deceased players on it. He emphasized that Rose was never disciplined directly by former commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti but entered into a settlement agreement that allowed Hall of Fame consideration, which Manfred views as baseball living up to its original deal. The reinstatement allows Rose and Jackson to be considered for Hall of Fame induction, although voters may still decide their gambling scandals render them unfit for election. Manfred acknowledged the difficult nature of the decision but stressed the importance of honoring agreements and treating Rose consistently with other players who have been considered by the Hall. The 1991 Hall of Fame rule barring players on banned lists from induction complicates the situation, but the reinstatement removes that obstacle for these deceased players.