Pete Rose died today at the age of 83. For those who never saw him play baseball, he was the epitome of all that was good in the game of baseball. Fathers told their sons, “That’s how you do it. That’s how you play the game.” His nickname was “Charlie Hustle.” He gave it everything he had on every play of every game. He was the guy who would sprint out of the dugout every inning to his position. Even when he got a walk, he sprinted to first base. He slid head first into bases without a care in the world about his body. He had passion and desire. And, he was good, some say he was the best, at least of his generation. His biggest claim to fame is that he has more hits than anyone who ever played the game – 4,256 hits. The 17-time All-Star played on three World Series winners. He was the National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP two years later. He holds the major league record for games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890) and the NL record for the longest hitting streak (44).

On the other hand, he is just as known for his lifetime ban from baseball. In 1989, the commissioner of baseball opened and investigation on Pete. Several months later, Commissioner Giamatti banned him for life from the game of baseball because he found that Pete Rose had gambled on baseball while he was a player and a manager, sometimes on his own team. This meant that one of the greatest baseball players of all time could not be admitted to the Hall of Fame or manage another team. Giamatti said, “One of the game’s greatest players has engaged in a variety of acts which have stained the game, and he must now live with the consequences of those acts.” In a 2004 interview, he did admit to gambling on baseball and on his team while he was a manager.

Joe’s Perspective: I am old enough to remember watching Pete play. I remember idolizing him for his play. I also remember how let down I was when I learned what he did. He was the first athlete who really let me down from an ethical perspective. And, his reputation was tarnished forever. In just about every interview he ever gave, he was asked about the cheating. He would never be celebrated in his retirement. There was always a cloud following him everywhere he went. And, I think there is a lesson there for us today.  No matter how good you are, your character overshadows your accomplishments.

Your Turn: What lessons do you take from the life of Pete Rose?