Major League Baseball has lifted the lifetime ban on Pete Rose. They also lifted the lifetime ban on the players from the 1919 Chicago White Sox who allegedly gambled on their World Series appearance. This included Shoeless Joe Jackson, pitcher Eddie Cicotte, and third baseman George "Buck" Weaver. The so-called "Black Sox Scandal" is one of the darkest chapters in baseball history and has been the subject of books and the 1988 film, "Eight Men Out." MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's ruling removes a total of 16 deceased players and one deceased owner from MLB's banned list.
It is a “lifetime” ban and once the life has ended, thus the ban should end. Now the MLB Hall of Fame still has to vote these players in. But one must remember that it’s the MLB Hall of Fame and not the Journalistic Hall of Fame, so will the whole story be told of each player and their career and why they were banned? Or will the plaques just list their accomplishments and date of enshrinement?
One of the reasons I write is so there is a history that can be researched. As a journalist you stand in the middle and look at both sides of a story and let the reader decide for themselves. I picked a plaque – Hank Aaron’s. It’s got his name, teams he played for and then – Hit 755 Home Runs in 23-year career to become Major Leagues’ All-Time Homer King. Had 20 or more for 20 consecutive years, at least 30 in 15 seasons and 40 or better eight times. Also set records for games played (3,298), at bats (12,364), long hits (1,477), total bases (6,856), and runs batted in (2,297). Paced N.L. in batting twice and homers, runs batted in and slugging pct. Four times each. Won Most Valuable Player award in N.L. in 1957.
Hank got a 79-word paragraph to sum up his Hall of Fame career. Just everything on the field. A Google search of Rose’s accomplishments is a 32-word paragraph. The MLB's all-time hits leader (4,256), winning three World Series championships, three batting titles, one MVP award, two Gold Gloves, and the Rookie of the Year. He also made 17 All-Star appearances. Well, that would leave 40 or so words to explain his gambling, ban and reinstatement after passing away. But now does this open the door to have the PED players come in as well? They aren’t banned but using PEDs – that weren’t totally illegal – have been and will always be looked upon as cheating. Where does this slippery slope end? Does it matter? Will MLB tell Pete and Shoeless Joe’s full stories on their plaques? I highly doubt it but it should be there.
Charley Hustle will more than likely get in sometime in 2027 or 2028. Shoeless Joe will be right behind him, I’m sure. A lifetime ban lifted as it should be – but tell the whole story, MLB.
