Trump’s Influence in MLB: Pete Rose’s Reinstatement
Pursuing his goals, President Donald Trump has often succeeded in exerting pressure, with Major League Baseball (MLB) being no exception.
For years, Trump has advocated for Pete Rose’s inclusion in the Hall of Fame, with increased emphasis in recent months. Last week, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the lifting of Rose’s lifetime ban for gambling, making him eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time.
In 2015, Manfred had rejected Rose’s request for reinstatement. What prompted the change? According to a letter to Rose’s family lawyer, it was solely Rose’s death in September that influenced Manfred’s decision: “The only relevant fact that has changed since that decision is that Mr. Rose has recently passed away.”
However, asserting that Trump’s pressure played no part in Manfred’s decision overlooks significant coincidences. Shortly after Rose’s passing last fall, Trump posted on X, calling Rose one of the greatest players and urging MLB to allow his Hall of Fame induction. In February, Trump announced he would grant Rose a full pardon, having previously served five months in federal prison for tax evasion. Manfred also had a meeting with Trump in March, where they discussed Rose, after which he announced he would review Rose’s ban.
Interestingly, MLB didn’t just reinstate Rose; Manfred introduced a new rule allowing players banned for life to be eligible for the Hall of Fame posthumously. While 15 other players benefited, Rose’s reinstatement carries the most significant implications due to his record as the all-time leader in hits and games played. He won three World Series championships, two with the Cincinnati Reds and one with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Despite this, Rose violated a fundamental rule of sports by gambling on baseball. Although he claimed he only bet while managing, an ESPN investigation indicated he also placed bets while playing.
Rose’s case for reinstatement is undermined by his dishonesty. His eventual admission of guilt came only after he sought to profit from a book deal, casting a shadow over his narrative. Manfred argues that since Rose has died, he no longer poses a threat to baseball’s integrity. However, the core purpose of MLB’s gambling rule is to maintain its authority over players, and lifting Rose’s ban could send a weak message amid the current gambling landscape.
Ultimately, Rose’s Hall of Fame prospects will be evaluated by the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era Committee, which reconvenes in 2027. Rose requires 12 out of 16 votes for induction, which remains uncertain. Despite his changing public perception, the committee will face the challenge of determining which facts truly matter.
