Peter Edward Rose Sr., known as “Charlie Hustle,” passed away on September 30, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rose was a legendary figure in Major League Baseball (MLB), celebrated for his remarkable achievements on the field. His career spanned from 1963 to 1986, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds, where he became the all-time hit leader with 4,256 hits. Rose was a pivotal member of the Reds’ “Big Red Machine,” contributing to their dominance in the 1970s and winning three World Series championships. He was known for his intense playing style and versatility, having played five different positions throughout his career while earning accolades such as three batting titles and a Most Valuable Player Award.
Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, Rose’s legacy was overshadowed by controversy. In 1989, he was banned from baseball for life due to allegations of gambling on games while managing the Reds. Initially denying these claims, he later admitted to betting on baseball in his autobiography published in 2004. This admission solidified his exclusion from the Hall of Fame, despite ongoing debates about his eligibility among fans and players alike. After serving time for tax evasion in the early 1990s, Rose remained a controversial figure within baseball, often appearing at public events and autograph signings. His death marks the end of a complex legacy that combined unparalleled talent with significant personal struggles.
Here’s a comprehensive list of his major achievements and awards:
Major League Baseball Awards
Individual Honors
- National League Most Valuable Player (1973)
- National League Rookie of the Year (1963)
- World Series Most Valuable Player (1975)
- Roberto Clemente Award (1976)
All-Star Selections
- 17-time All-Star (1965, 1967-1971, 1973-1982, 1985)
Batting Achievements
- 3-time National League Batting Champion (1968, 1969, 1973)
- 7-time National League Hits Leader (1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1973, 1976, 1981)
- 4-time National League Runs Scored Leader (1969, 1974, 1975, 1976)
- 5-time National League Doubles Leader (1974, 1975, 1976, 1978, 1980)
Defensive Awards
- 2-time Gold Glove Award winner (1969, 1970 as an outfielder)
Other MLB Awards
- Silver Slugger Award (1981 as a first baseman)
- Hutch Award (1968)
- Lou Gehrig Memorial Award (1969)
Team Championships
- 3-time World Series champion (1975, 1976 with Cincinnati Reds; 1980 with Philadelphia Phillies)
Cincinnati Reds Team Awards
- 5-time Ernie Lombardi Most Valuable Player Award (Reds MVP) (1966, 1968, 1969, 1973, 1978)
Other Honors
- Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (1975)
- The Sporting News Player of the Year (1968)
- The Sporting News Player of the Decade (1970s)
- Hickok Belt winner (1975)
MLB Records
- All-time MLB leader in hits (4,256)
- All-time MLB leader in games played (3,562)
- All-time MLB leader in at-bats (14,053)
- All-time MLB leader in singles (3,215)
Notable Achievements
- Only player in MLB history to play at least 500 games at five different positions (1B, 2B, 3B, LF, RF)
- 10 seasons with 200 or more hits
- 44-game hitting streak in 1978 (National League record)
Pete Rose’s career was marked by exceptional performance and numerous accolades, solidifying his place as one of baseball’s most accomplished players. However, it’s important to note that his legacy is complicated by his lifetime ban from baseball due to gambling issues, which has prevented his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame despite his on-field achievements.
Time served, it is time to put Pete in the Hall!
