[Scoutmaster]

Yes, there is.

From the Baseball Hall of Fame:

"Voting shall be based upon the player's record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played."

Wouldn't you say that Rose, even if eligible, strikes out completely in the integrity and character department? He broke baseball's cardinal rule. He's lied repeatedly and continues to lie about his involvement in betting. He admits to using PEDs during his playing days, although we're only talking about Greenies.

[MosesKnows]

strikes out completely in the integrity and character department?

Is George Herman Ruth in the Baseball Hall of Fame?

[kenmcg]

“Voting shall be based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played.”

Many of the greatest players in the “Hall” were severely lacking in integrity, sportsmanshiop character etc.

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Wouldn't you say that Rose, even if eligible, strikes out completely in the integrity and character department?

You really want to go back and apply that standard to the men already in the HoF? Are we sure every HoFer set a standard for integrity and character? Should the alcoholics, adulterers, etc. in there be removed?

There are other ways to honor men who live blameless lives. Excellence in baseball doesn't mean excellence of character. Rose is not baseball's all-time leader in hits because of his gambling. By excluding men like Rose and Joe Jackson, the HoF only undermines it's own credibility.