Top 3 Tribute: Pete Rose

Right before the playoff began, the baseball community learned of the passing of the legendary Pete Rose. The good and bad of his career is well known, but his legacy is worth remembering. Rather than do my traditional list of favorite cards in my collection, I though it would be appropriate to pay my respects with a few of his "record breaking" achievements.

 

1978 Topps #5 Pete Rose (RB)

It's hard to believe that 8 seasons before he became the all-time hit king, he became the lifetime hit leader among switch hitters. He bested the career mark of Hall of Famer Frankie Frisch, who held that record for 40 years.

 

1985 Topps #6 Pete Rose (RB) 

For most players, reaching 3,000 career hits would be a dream career. Rose reached that mark just with the number of singles he hit! The only other person with that many singles was the guy whose record he broke, Ty Cobb.

 

1986 Topps #206 Pete Rose (RB)

 

Speaking of Cobb, we of course know that Rose eventually would overtake Cobb to be the all-time hit leader in MLB history. The two remain the only players to surpass 4,000 hits. (I wonder if we'll ever see that again?)

I've always believed that a lifetime baseball ban should end when the lifetime portion has concluded. It makes no sense to me that someone like Shoeless Joe Jackson, who died 73 years ago, is still being punished. To what end? I feel the same way about Rose now. To coin a gambling term, he's square with the house. His punishment served it's purpose. He can no longer benefit directly from the fame his career has brought him. It's time to give the man his due and recognize him as one of baseball's elite.

 

Rest in Peace Charlie Hustle.