The Pete Rose Controversy speaks directly to Baseball's difficulty and hypocrisy with regard to "character" and "integrity" issues. .
As Joe Posanski, a reporter for The Cincinnati Post has pointed out in his article "The Hall of Fame Doesn't Smell Like a Rose", there are a number of Hall of Fame individuals who would rate low in the character and integrity areas, no matter which way we look at it. The very unlikable Ty Cobb, the drinking and womanizing Babe Ruth, the umpire abusing John McGraw, the racist Cap Anson, cheaters like Gaylord Perry, the gambling Leo Durocher, these are just a few of the distinguished baseball players who by one way or another have found their way into the Hall of Fame. (Posanski) Baseball should be honest with itself and delete the character and integrity requirements of Rule 5. A growing consensus suggests that Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame because of his baseball record, not because of his character. In a survey that I took, 90 percent of those who were questioned believe that Rose should be in the Hall. (Hoffman) Even Bill Clinton spoke out about the issue saying, "I'd like to see it worked out, God knows he's paid a price."" (Ribowsky 68) Rose might likely be a liar and he surely is a gambler. But he was a great baseball player. A lifetime banishment seems to be an inappropriate punishment for someone who has done so much for the game.
Pete Rose might very well hold the major league record for most records held by a major league player. In addition to having the most hits of all time he holds numerous other Major and National League records. Here is a list of Rose's career records:.
All-time Major League record for most hits - 4,256.
All-time Major League record for most games played - 3,562.
All-time Major League record for most at bats - 14,053.
All-time Major League record for most singles - 3,315.
All-time Major League record for most total bases by a switch hitter - 5,752.