What was the reason for Pete Rose's ban from Major League Baseball?

Pete Rose was banned from Major League Baseball in 1989 for betting on baseball games, including those involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds.

What does President Trump's proposed pardon for Pete Rose mean in terms of his eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame?

The pardon does not directly affect Rose's eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame, as MLB does not control Hall of Fame admissions. The Hall of Fame has a rule preventing individuals on the permanently ineligible list from being considered for induction.

What legal issues did Pete Rose face beyond his ban from baseball?

Pete Rose pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false income tax returns in 1990 and served a prison sentence for this offense.

Why is President Trump advocating for Pete Rose's pardon and Hall of Fame induction?

President Trump is advocating for Pete Rose's pardon and Hall of Fame induction because he believes Rose was a superior player who should be recognized for his achievements, despite his gambling activities. Trump also criticizes MLB for not having the 'courage or decency' to induct Rose.

6 sources·Misc

Trump Plans Pardon for Baseball Legend Pete Rose

President Trump announces plans to pardon late MLB star Pete Rose, who was banned for sports betting, expressing support for the former baseball player.

33%

The distribution of story sources: left-leaning (blue), center (light gray), and right-leaning (red).

Mostly Reliable

The underlying sources are generally reliable but sometimes include opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.

Balanced

The underlying sources are either a balanced mix of left and right or primarily centrist.

MLB and Rose agreed to a permanent ban in 1989 after an investigation determined he had bet on games involving the Cincinnati Reds from 1985-87 while playing for and managing the team.
Trump says he will issue a posthumous pardon for Pete Rose
CBS News·23d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Pete Rose was banned in 1989 from Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame for sports betting.
President Donald Trump plans to pardon Pete Rose
Straight Arrow News·23d
Reliable
This source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.
·
Center
This outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.
Many baseball fans consider far too harsh for the Cincinnati Reds star and still all-time career hits leader in the Major League.
‘Get Off Its Fat, Lazy Ass!’ Trump Erupts at MLB on Pete Rose Hall of Fame Ban, Vows ‘Complete PARDON’ for Late Baseball Star in Next Few Weeks
MEDIAite·23d
Mostly Reliable
This source is generally reliable but sometimes includes opinion, propaganda, or minor inaccuracies.
·
Leans Left
This outlet slightly leans left.
Trump did not specifically mention Rose's tax case in which Rose pleaded guilty in 1990 to two counts of filing false tax returns and served a five-month prison sentence.
Trump Announces Posthumous Pardon of Pete Rose
Newsmax·23d
Mixed Reliable
This source has a mixed track record—sometimes accurate but also prone to bias, sensationalism, or incomplete reporting.
·
Right
This outlet favors right-wing views.

Updated: Mar 1st, 2025, 6:32 PM ET

Summary

A summary of the key points of this story verified across multiple sources.

In a recent post on Truth Social, President Trump announced he intends to pardon Pete Rose, the late MLB hits leader banned for gambling. Trump noted Rose's contributions to baseball while acknowledging his gambling activities, emphasizing that Rose only bet on his team to win. Despite Trump’s call for a pardon, MLB disclaims authority over Hall of Fame admissions. Rose, who passed away in 2024 at 83, remains a controversial figure in baseball history, having been banned from the sport in 1989 after a gambling investigation.

Perspectives

Compare opinions on this story from liberal (Left), conservative (Right) or center-leaning news organizations.

Trump is planning to pardon Pete Rose, recognizing that while Rose shouldn't have gambled on baseball, he believes he only bet on his own team winning.
Pete Rose was banned from Major League Baseball and the Hall of Fame in 1989 after admitting to betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds during the mid-1980s.
Rose, who maintained he never compromised his team's integrity through betting, died in September 2024.

FAQs

A list of follow-up questions readers often ask about this story.