Pete Rose shouldn’t be invited to the Phillies alumni weekend

When Philadelphians heard that Pete Rose was going to attend the Aug. 7 ceremony at Citizens Bank Park to honor the 1980 World Series champions, many probably brushed it aside, giving it not even a second thought.

To some, it was long overdue; Rose was the “missing piece” to that championship group, giving them that extra push that they needed to prevail over the Kansas City Royals. He is cited by the team as being the one that led them, helped them get over whatever was in their way once they reached the playoffs, and provided that extra spark that propelled them to a parade down Broad Street. “Of course he should be honored!” they’ll bellow.

No.

No, he shouldn’t.

» READ MORE: Pete Rose expected to attend Phillies’ celebration of 1980 World Series team

There are multiple reasons why Pete Rose shouldn’t be allowed near this, or any, major league ballpark for the foreseeable future. For one, he admitted to gambling on baseball when he was managing the Cincinnati Reds. While that may not seem like a big deal, in case you forgot, Rose admitted to gambling on baseball on the exact same day that his book was released, in which he admitted to his crime in print, as well as accepting the ban given to him as punishment. Rose only admitted to the gambling so that he could make a few more dollars selling his book. Had he not written (or had ghostwritten) that autobiography, would he have ever admitted to what he did?

Some may argue that gambling isn’t so bad; people do it all the time. But Rose was gambling on baseball while he was an active participant. He even bet on his own team. That’s really bad and violates a central rule in Major League Baseball (Rule 21(d)), the penalty for which is a lifetime ban from the league. (He accepted this ban in 1989.)

Yet the gambling isn’t even the worst part of Rose’s history. In 2017, court documents were released in which Rose admitted to having sex with a girl who had testified she was younger than 16 at the time the relationship started. That is statutory rape. Rose claimed he thought the girl was at least 16 but does that make it any better? A 34-year-old married man with children at the time, Rose admitted to a sexual relationship that was considered, by law, to be rape.

People who are quick to dismiss my opinion as being part of the “woke mob” trying to tear down a franchise icon are also often those who decry the tearing down of the moral fabric of this country. To those, I would ask this simple question: Can you really have it both ways? Can you desire to honor this player, waving away his crimes by simply saying “those were different times” while also getting angry at the current direction of the country? If so, try telling your daughters or granddaughters why it’s all right with you.

The man has been banned from baseball for life. Why are we honoring him?

The man has been banned from baseball for life. Why are we honoring him?

The most disappointing aspect of the Phillies’ decision to invite Rose to the ballpark is that the club has seemingly foisted the blame onto the players, saying in a statement: “In planning the 1980 reunion, we consulted with Pete’s teammates about his inclusion. Everyone wants Pete to be part of the festivities since there would be no trophy in 1980 without him.” Instead of taking a stand and saying that they aren’t willing to allow Rose to attend, the team is simply doing what equates to pointing at the players and running the other way while you aren’t looking.

The ceremony will take place as part of alumni weekend, always one of the better weekends on the Phillies’ schedule. The promotions department does an excellent job honoring the past heroes of the franchise, giving them a momentary spotlight to thousands of adoring fans. The Phillies have proven alumni weekend can be done well and with grace and reflection.

It shouldn’t be done with Pete Rose.

Ethan Witte is the site manager for The Good Phight (thegoodphight.com) and lives in South Jersey.