Pete Rose in Hall of Fame ??

   I have kept my thoughts to myself for many years now, but no longer.. This year the Baseball Hall of Fame has a couple of names up for induction into the Cooperstown Shrine. Bert Blyleven and Roberto Alomar...  Blyleven and Alomar??  Are you kidding me??
   I propose that the powers that be get their collective heads out of their asses and enshrine someone based on how they played the game of baseball. Honus Wagner was one of the biggest cheats in baseball during his time. Babe Ruth was a womanizing drunk,..BUT players similar to these are in the Hall of Fame. Why not allow one of the very best to die a happy man and place his name in consideration.   Did someone say why?
   Pete Rose played in the major leagues from 1963 through 1986, but despite a steller career between the lines, he was banned from baseball for gambling. Then Major League Commissioner Bart Giamatti said the actions of Rose was detrimental to the game of baseball. In defense of Rose, all that has ever been proven against him was he gambled on his team to win.. never on any other team.
   If indeed it takes 'better than average' statistics to gain entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, I submit some verified numbers for consideration. Dating back to the 1800's there is one player holding down the position as record-holder in the following categories: 
All-Time Leader in base hits-    4,256
All-Time Leader in games played-  3,562
All-Time Leader in at-bats-  14,053
   That player is Pete Rose !
The Baseball Writers of America picked the top 100 players ever to play the game...  Pete Rose was among them.
The Sporting News named the 100 Greatest ever to play the game, and Pete Rose was #25.
  Rose played in 3 World Series... Won the Batting Title 3 times...twice was awarded a Gold Glove for the best defensive player at his position.. Was Rookie of the Year in 1963...was also named Most Valuable Player in 1973..and in 1975 was named 'Sportsman of the Year' by Sports Illustrated Magazine. 
   In a day when players dominate the sports pages with their off-field antics, I think Pete Rose has paid for his sins and deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. Those of us old enough to remember, can recall how he ran to first base after being walked by the pitcher. He relished in the nickname of 'Charlie Hustle'. Most players consider being named to the mid-season All-Star game somewhat of an honor, and just show up to make an appearance. Pete Rose, who was named to the All-Star Game on 18 occasions at 5 different positions, played in the All-Star Game like it was game 7 of the World Series. Who can forget the 1970 All-Star Classic when Ray Fosse was blocking home plate and Rose, attempting to score from second base on a single to the outfield, bowled over Fosse and broke three of his ribs in the collision.

   This is the 21st Century!  If Cooperstown is indeed the reward for outstanding careers in Major League Baseball, then it is time to open the doors and allow one of the greatest to be admitted.