Even though Pete Rose never openly endorsed former President Trump, in the wake of Rose’s passing this week, the Republican presidential nominee extended support to baseball’s exiled hits leader.
Taking a break from posting on Truth Social about the vice-presidential debate Tuesday night, Trump switched over to X to call for Rose to be immediately allowed into baseball’s Hall of Fame despite the legendary player’s permanent disqualification for betting on baseball as a player and manager for the Cincinnati Reds.
Trump wrote, “The GREAT Pete Rose has passed away.” “Among the greatest baseball players in history, he was a tremendous player. He made the payment! He ought to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame by Major League Baseball many years ago. Before his funeral, do it now!
Rose passed away on Monday due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and hypertension, as reported by the Nevada coroner’s office for Clark County. He was eighty-three. Rose’s funeral is not scheduled to take place.
Despite being banned from baseball since 1989, Rose is still honored in his birthplace of Cincinnati and is still well-liked by many baseball fans.
Trump has previously advocated on Rose’s behalf.
“We gotta let Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame,” the first-time candidate declared to a throng in West Chester, Ohio, a few days before Ohio’s presidential primary in 2016. A picture of an autographed baseball that Trump had “just gotten from @PeteRose_14” was also tweeted. With Rose’s signature, the inscription on the ball said, “Mr. Trump, please make America great again.”
On the eve of the 2016 primary, Rose’s attorney, Ray Genco, stated via email to the Washington Post that “Pete has made a point not to ‘endorse’ any particular presidential contender.” He respects everyone who puts in a lot of effort for their country, but any media that mistook a signed baseball for an endorsement was incorrect. Pete didn’t send a baseball or an endorsement letter to any candidate.
Although Trump was defeated by Ohio Governor John Kasich in the primary, he won the state that November and defeated Hillary Clinton to become the 45th president.
Following the Houston Astros cheating scandal, Rose filed a petition with MLB on February 5, 2020, requesting reinstatement. Then-President Trump tweeted his support a few days later.
“He took a risk, but solely on his own group triumphing, and incurred a lifetime expense,” Trump, who also captured Ohio in the 2020 presidential contest but lost to Joe Biden, wrote. “ACCEDE PETE ROSE TO THE HALL OF FAME IN BASEBALL.” Now is the moment!
