MLB Reinstates Pete Rose Posthumously, Opens Hall of Fame Eligibility

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred has lifted the 35-year ban on Pete Rose, making him eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time since his lifetime ban in 1989 due to betting on baseball games, including those involving his own team. This decision also reinstates "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, removed from the permanently ineligible list posthumously, allowing both players potential future Hall of Fame induction. Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, had been repeatedly denied reinstatement, but following a petition filed by his family and legal representation, Manfred reversed the policy that bans expire after death. Although Rose is now eligible, he must still be nominated by the Hall's Historical Overview Committee and wait until at least 2028 before possible induction. The move has generated mixed reactions, with supporters emphasizing second chances and Rose’s remarkable career achievements, while critics voice concerns about preserving the game's integrity. This reinstatement coincides with the Cincinnati Reds honoring Rose with a dedicated night at Great American Ballpark, further signifying a shift in how his legacy is viewed within baseball.