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His desire to win and his work ethic were I think an inspiration to all of us to do things we were not good at.
I am a retired EE and I was never great at math, but guys like Pete proved to me that trying ones best paid off in life.
Nevertheless all those records he had were done sometimes while injured, and he never made excuses on the field.
I hope he lives to see the day he is eventually honored for the long career and inspiration he was to us average people who like him tried our best.
If I was his family upon his death I would refuse him being inducted for IMHO it would be proof of the HOF being vindictive and if I were family it would be spitting in our fathers face to ask me as a family member to attend his induction, I would stay away in protest and let everyone know how pissed I was in how vindictive Baseball was.

Hope Pete lives a long life and makes Baseball look worse and worse every year.

I agree with almost all of what you said - there's much to be admired about the way Pete approached and played the game. Some claim he was dirty, citing the Fosse collision in the 1970 All Star Game, but I think the accusation is bogus. Pete's explanation that he started to slide, but changed his mind and got caught in no-man's land once he saw the shinguards perfectly fits the replay. He played very hard, but he played fair.

I grew up in Cincinnati and watched him play countless times - you're exactly right that he played through injuries, gave it 100% regardless of the score or situation, filled whatever role was asked of him, and never made excuses (well maybe once, when Gene Garber ended his hitting streak).

I also agree that his family should refuse to attend if baseball ever decides to admit him to the Hall posthumously. I'm not sure it would prove baseball's vindictiveness, but it would be hypocritical. I think Rose merits appreciation and has received it (named one the 20th Century's 50 top players at the 98 All Star Game) but I don't want to ever see him in the HoF, period. His arrogance led him to believe he was bigger than the game and to break its cardinal rule, and he accepted a lifetime ban when faced with the evidence. It's really something of a tragedy as baseball was his life and he has always been one of its best ambassadors.

I read of occasional signs here and there that Pete is beginning to "get it". I hope he's headed in that direction and puts as much effort into being a better man as he put into being a better ballplayer. Anyway, it was nice chatting - I wish you well....