Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hit king, passed away on September 30, 2024, from natural causes at the age of 83. Rose was an enigmatic figure, to say the least in the sports world, but also in modern American culture.

Debuting in the big leagues in 1963, he dazzled fans across baseball with his sweet swing, representing his hometown of Cincinnati and becoming a crucial part of the “Big Red Machine” Reds teams that dominated the 1960s and 1970s era of baseball. His consistency and longevity were unmatched, and his never-give-up attitude, which drew the love of many baseball fans across the country. When he retired from playing after 24 seasons, he was a lock for the Hall of Fame with his crowning achievement of having more hits for a single player than anyone who ever lived.

Because of this, the “Charlie Hustle” Hall of Fame debate was a yearly talking point in the baseball community. People would argue for his entrance or his continued exile, which would get heated and contentious at times. There is no doubt that Rose left his mark on the world and left a legacy where the Pete Rose discourse will continue for future decades to come.

How should we remember Rose? A question like this, in most cases, requires a lot of nuance and critical thinking to come up with a conclusion. But in Rose’s case, it’s quite simple and there isn’t much to ponder about.

He was a despicable human being. I hate to make this kind of proclamation but Rose was just not someone with a high character or a high moral standing. From his rape allegation to his gambling scandal to consistently lying and treating people in the world rudely, he isn’t someone whom you look at as a role model in any way.

His baseball accomplishments are all well and good, but how you are as a human matters more. Plain and simple.

This is why his career is so sad, if you didn’t know any of his baggage and just looked at the stats or watched him play, he was the model player for fathers to show their sons how to play the game. Hustling down the first base line, putting his body on the line for success, staying consistent with his swing in the batter’s box. Which is why he connected with the fans so well and became popular during his playing career.

But alas, he ruined that legacy with his own reprehensible behavior, leaving behind a trail of broken glass that can never be put back together the same way. What a shame…