Smyth: Rose deserves to be honored by Hall of Fame

I thoroughly enjoyed Carlos Holmes’ article about Pete Rose in the Daily State News (“Pete Rose and the challenge of forgiveness”).

While I didn’t share Carlos’ affinity for the Cincinnati Reds, it was hard not to admire Pete Rose’s undeniable passion for the game. As “Charlie Hustle,” Rose played baseball the right way, even if he faltered by placing bets on it.

Given his involvement in betting, Rose’s lifetime ban from the game was justified. However, now that he has served his time and passed away at age 83, I believe Major League Baseball should reconsider his eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His achievements on the field deserve to be honored, and without Pete Rose, the Hall of Fame will always feel incomplete.

Joe Smyth

Scottsdale, Arizona

Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.