Pete Rose, Reds legend and MLB hit king, dies at 83

If you’re a Kentucky fan, there’s a solid chance you’re a Cincinnati Reds fan. And if you’re a Cincinnati Reds fan, you’re guaranteed to be a Pete Rose fan. Shoot, most sports fans in general can appreciate the greatness that was Charlie Hustle, who finished his 24-year career as the MLB’s all-time hits leader.

His impact on the game was undeniable — no matter how polarizing his status following his playing career. The pain of his loss will be equally undeniable, as the baseball legend died at the age of 83 on Monday, the Cincinnati Reds announced.

The Reds are heartbroken to learn of the passing of baseball legend Pete Rose. pic.twitter.com/zOlU9NreWR

— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 30, 2024

Rose spent his first 16 seasons in Cincinnati, winning back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He won an additional title in 1980 during a five-year run the Philadelphia Phillies, followed by a brief stint with the Montreal Expos before wrapping up his career back with the Reds.

He finished his career with 4,256 hits, most in league history, to go with MLB records for games played (3,562), plate appearances (15,890) and at-bats (14,053). Named to 17 All-Star Games while earning three batting titles, two Gold Gloves and one league MVP, Rose is widely seen as one of the best players baseball has ever seen.

The Cincinnati native overlapped as a player manager from 1984 to 1986 before maintaining managerial duties until he was banned from baseball in 1989 for betting on games. He earned a 412-373 record as manager with two divisional titles, but his lifetime ban has kept him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame ever since — no matter the historic success he found as a legendary player.

HOF or not — and the fight will undoubtedly continue posthumously — Pete Rose was and always will be one of a kind, his impact in Cincinnati forever living on.

Rest in peace, Charlie Hustle.