Cincinnati native, Reds Hall of Famer and former Big Red Machine great Pete Rose sent a letter, per multiple reports Friday, to Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred, asking for forgiveness and explaining ‘what it would mean to be considered for the (National Baseball) Hall of Fame.’
TMZ.com published the letter in its entirety. In it, Rose acknowledges that he disappointed ‘many Reds fans and baseball fans,’ and explains that it’s among his ‘greatest regrets’ that he let down fans, teammates and everyone he ‘ever shared a baseball field with.’
‘People think you move on after you leave the game,’ Rose wrote in the letter. ‘You do in many ways. But the most important parts of baseball should grow even stronger. I screwed that up. … I hold myself accountable. I write now to ask for another chance.’
Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati announced earlier this month that Rose will place the first bet at its new sportsbook when legal sports betting launches in Ohio on Jan. 1, 2023.
In Nov. 2020, Rose called betting on baseball the only mistake he’s ever made, and reiterated that he doesn’t think he’ll be elected to Cooperstown’s Hall of Fame as long as he’s alive.