Rob Manfred’s Decision To Reinstate Pete Rose And Others Sends Terrible Message

On Tuesday, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced a policy change that would remove players permanently banned for life from the ineligible list upon their passing. The consequences – both unintended and real – will have a lasting impact on the integrity of Major League Baseball.

Manfred, in a letter to Jeffrey M. Lenkov, the attorney for Rose seeking to have his ban lifted posthumously wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others. In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

Rose, along with 16 others, including those involved in the 1919 Black Sox scandal, which includes “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, have now been removed from the ineligible list.

Manfred assuredly believes that “it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve,” but if that were the case, then why is there a chorus not just from his family, but also from fans, to have the ban lifted? It is clearly to allow his eligibility into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Major League Baseball is the pinnacle of the sport. The drive and determination of the players involved, as well as a significant portion of ego, may render Manfred’s belief that making the Hall of Fame only matters when one is alive. All players want to see it before they die. Some would be happy to make it even in death.

And while the list focuses on Rule 21, which details players can be banned for life for betting on MLB games, it doesn’t specify whether this “you’re now only banned until you die” rule applies to players who have used performance-enhancing drugs. What if a player is permanently suspended for something such as a breach of the Domestic Violence Policy? Perhaps the policy change isn’t about that, but it does create the possibility of unintended consequences.

But maybe the decision isn’t really about Major League Baseball. Maybe what Manfred is doing is kicking the hot potato over to the Baseball Hall of Fame, where Rose is now eligible. After all, removal from the ineligible list for Rose and Jackson doesn’t mean they waltz into the Hall. The Veterans Committee could very easily vote not to allow their inclusion.

But let’s say they do vote Rose in. There would be particular irony in it happening. Pete Rose, who was his own worst enemy by lying to the Dowd Commission. Lied to former Commissioners Bart Giamatti and Bud Selig. The man who finally admitted to gambling on baseball, was never contrite about it, could gain inclusion into the Hall of Fame before Barry Bonds, who was never suspended for anything.

Finally, there’s this: stop saying Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame. He’s in the Hall. There are numerous historic items and displays in the Hall’s museum of him. He’s there telling part of baseball’s story. What he doesn’t have is a plaque. While Manfred may have opened the door to making that possible, let’s hope it never does. Because let’s face it, the next Pete Rose might well be out there hoping for the same when they die.