Pete Rose MLB Legend dies

Pete Rose, baseball's all-time hits leader and a controversial figure, has passed away at 83. His legacy is as complex as his career.

Rose's death was confirmed by Clark County, Nevada. The medical examiner is investigating the cause, with no signs of foul play reported.

[{"selector":"#anim-6d6edb4f-dbaa-4550-9bef-fe93555c54c8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(6.628232572554069%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

A 17-time All-Star, Rose played for three World Series winners and was named National League MVP in 1973. His impact on the game was immense.

[{"selector":"#anim-5f242f81-880e-4501-ae25-ab83f67d15ae [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(41.09500329829855%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

He holds the MLB record for games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890). His hitting streak of 44 games remains unmatched in the NL.

[{"selector":"#anim-81b10cbe-dba8-4eca-97ab-21e64084d7b0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(24.482699983978584%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Rose's 4,256 hits shattered Ty Cobb's record of 4,191, a testament to his remarkable consistency and longevity throughout his 24-year career.

[{"selector":"#anim-a2f03c19-61fa-419d-a932-1a6ddfadb693 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-17.322207970094638%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

He averaged 200 hits a season, showcasing his relentless dedication. Rose often joked, "Every summer... Pete Rose is going to get 200 hits."

[{"selector":"#anim-e3df5011-f026-4586-9e99-1b4200e03f42 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(7.812499744007886%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Rose reached milestones quickly: 1,000 hits in 1968, 2,000 in 1973, and 3,000 in 1978, showcasing his exceptional talent and drive.

[{"selector":"#anim-2b756114-e36f-4d19-99f4-971fb6752904 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(5.459798775365961%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

On September 8, 1985, Rose tied Cobb's record, surpassing it three days later, celebrated by family and fans at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium.

[{"selector":"#anim-246f2c4a-2891-43d5-9793-056ae47706a3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-7.6046795457025045%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

But success came with controversy. In 1989, allegations surfaced about Rose betting on baseball games, leading to an extensive investigation.

[{"selector":"#anim-449a8553-21f4-40d2-9f92-dae922e4d941 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(12.41812204269698%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Commissioner Peter Ueberroth announced Rose's lifetime ban from baseball after evidence revealed he had bet on games, including those involving the Reds.

[{"selector":"#anim-85403050-b59b-4e72-9b17-8d8f3ad2d91a [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-8.323244299165173%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Despite admitting to betting on baseball in his 2004 autobiography, Rose was never inducted into the Hall of Fame, a point of ongoing debate.

[{"selector":"#anim-a1e39d3c-df0d-4255-90e7-b2b9095a7ee0 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(30.928308707803126%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

In his post-baseball years, Rose received honors, including induction into the Reds' Hall of Fame in 2016 and a bronze sculpture commemorating his legacy.

[{"selector":"#anim-2ffdaae8-1ce2-469d-84c9-720b3080714b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(-6.539367349903053%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}]

Though he never made it to Cooperstown, Rose's memorabilia is showcased there, including his MVP helmet and the bat from his 44-game hitting streak.

[{"selector":"#anim-56424875-82f6-43da-9cee-9653fe5f286e [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.02022047306673%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

Pete Rose's life was a blend of extraordinary achievement and profound controversy, leaving an indelible mark on baseball history.

[{"selector":"#anim-545843e1-31f5-4af6-beb8-580e3a212b20 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(20.87563434104097%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}]

His story will continue to spark discussions about talent, ethics, and the enduring love for the game he once embodied.

[{"selector":"#anim-b13a52ff-ce01-47b6-964a-d350ac3279b7 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.295955768857525%, 0, 0)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"both"}] Learn more