Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

A Belligerent Rose Only a Bit Apologetic
AP.com ^ | 01/08/2004 | Ronald Blum

Posted on 01/08/2004 2:51:25 PM PST by GeneD

NEW YORK (AP) -- Occasionally contrite but repeatedly the defiant, belligerent spark plug fans love, Pete Rose blames his accusers and medical conditions for the problems that got him kicked out of baseball.

Rose spills his thoughts in a colorful autobiography, "Pete Rose: My Prison Without Bars," released Thursday by Rodale Inc. Rose, still banned 14 1/2 years later, also concedes for the first time that he bet on Cincinnati Reds games while he was manager in the late 1980s.

The highly touted 322-page book contains no other bombshells. It alternates between apologies for his wrongs and the aggressiveness Rose showed during a 24-season major league career.

Rose writes he has had Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Behavior, which he says he got from his mother, and the book contains several quotes from a doctor about the effects. He repeats that he still loves to gamble legally at racetracks, and describes himself as "grumpy, short-tempered and cold-hearted."

He also talks about the emotional moment when he faced his family before going to prison and "humiliating body searches" in prison. He recounts anecdotes of his career such as taking an umpire to dinner after he was ejected from a game and makes a few puerile jokes.

He also compares his compulsive gambling to the behavior of former President Clinton, actors Robert Downey Jr. and Winona Ryder, and blames former Reds manager Jack McKeon and general manager Jim Bowden for not giving Pete Rose Jr. enough of a chance when he played for Cincinnati in 1997.

On Wednesday, Rose insisted he didn't plan to draw attention away from the elections of Dennis Eckersley and Paul Molitor to baseball's Hall of Fame this week.

"I never intended to diminish the exciting news for these deserving players," Rose said in a statement.

What Rose intended for his public confession has gone terribly awry, former teammate Mike Schmidt said.

"It doesn't look good, it's taken a turn for the worse," Schmidt told the AP. "It is a sad thing. ... I haven't heard anything good, but I hope the commissioner is reserving judgment. I've heard some of the worst references about Pete."

Rose repeatedly challenges the report on his gambling by John Dowd and the accusations made by his former associates before he accepted a lifetime ban in August 1989.

Rose said at the time of the investigation, he couldn't believe the way baseball treated him, calling baseball's evidence "flimsy."

"I spent 24 years building a baseball career that other players could only dream of," he wrote.

"And I put it all at risk over the thrill of `risk' itself. I spent thousands of hours in the batting cage. I took hundreds of grounders and fly balls each day in an effort to master my craft. I was known for a diligent work ethic that was unequaled among my peers. Nobody worked harder or took the game more seriously than Pete Rose - nobody. Yet after knowing (Paul) Janszen for only seven months, I trusted him to place bets on the game I loved. How could I be so disciplined in one aspect of my life and so reckless in the other? ...

"I was Pete Rose - baseball's all-time Hit King. I had more records than anybody on the damn planet. Nothing could possibly be wrong with someone who achieved that much success - nothing! ... I was Charlie Hustle - baseball legend. I would not go down without a fight."

Rose writes about the day he went to federal prison in 1990 after pleading guilty to tax charges and talked to his son, Tyler, then 6.

"I had no answer for the betrayed look in Tyler's eyes," Rose wrote. "My dad never let me down on any level and failing my own son was too tough to handle. So hell, I started to cry, too - rare for me because, like I said, I'm not a warm-and-fuzzy guy. ... As you can imagine, this was the lowest point in my life."

He says that in prison, he was given identification No. 01832-061.

"I never thought I'd be wearing anything other than No. 14 on my back," Rose wrote, adding that guards "couldn't help but gawk at the sight of Charlie Hustle in lockdown."

Rose pleaded guilty to two counts of filing false income taxes by failing to report income and was sentenced to five months in prison, three months in a halfway house and 1,000 hours of community service.

"I'm probably the only person in America to go to jail for underpaying his taxes by 4 percent," Rose wrote. Then he added, "The responsibility rested squarely on my shoulders. I just wasn't ready to accept it."

The book quotes Dr. David E. Comings of the City of Hope National Medical Center on ADHD and how it applies to Rose.

"ADHD kids are very strong-willed. They don't like anyone telling them what to do," Comings said. "Although they can't sit still or focus on subjects of little or no interest, their restless energy when focused can by dynamite. Pete Rose is not unlike Einstein, who flunked English but excelled in math."

Rose says he hopes commissioner Bud Selig will grant his application for reinstatement.

"My actions, which I thought were benign, call the integrity of the game into question," Rose wrote. "And there's no excuse for that, but there's also no reason to punish me forever."

Rose blames former commissioner Fay Vincent for the 1991 rule that bars him from the Hall ballot and wants "to enjoy my Hall of Fame induction ceremony while I was still alive!"

---

AP Sports Writers Joe Kay in Cincinnati and Ben Walker in New York contributed to this report


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Crime/Corruption; Culture/Society; Extended News; News/Current Events; US: Ohio; US: Pennsylvania
KEYWORDS: apology; baseball; peterose; thestinkingrose
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-38 last
To: Chu Gary; thesummerwind
I wonder what would be sufficient contrition for the folks with all this venom.

But, it's not a matter of "sufficient contrition." Major League Baseball's Rule 21 is simple and clear. The prescribed penalty for breaking it is permanent ineligibility. The Rule and its penalty have always been posted in every MLB clubhouse. Rose knew them both, and broke the Rule. In doing so, he willingly accepted permanent ineligibility. (It's as if he drove off a cliff and is steadfastly and belligerently surprised that the miraculous hand of God didn't save him from certain death.)

No amount of contrition can change the simple facts, regardless of whether he's the bullpen catcher or the all-time hits leader.

21 posted on 01/09/2004 5:59:56 AM PST by newgeezer (Just my opinion, of course. Your mileage may vary. You have the right to be wrong.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: newgeezer
Rose is a fraud and a giant egomaniac. May he never get into the Hall of Fame or back into baseball.
22 posted on 01/09/2004 6:12:56 AM PST by petercooper (DEAN = Democrats Experiencing Another Nightmare)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: newgeezer
No amount of contrition can change the simple facts, regardless of whether he's the bullpen catcher or the all-time hits leader.

Totally agree here. I always considered him an over-rated, classless bum, and I knew him.

23 posted on 01/09/2004 7:15:49 AM PST by thesummerwind (Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 21 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin; Chu Gary; cksharks; sgtbono2002
To be honest on that play, and I'm NOT a fan of Rose.

Rose-Fosse play in '70 lives on in infamy........ With the approach of the annual All-Star game, the media likes to revisit noteworthy midsummer classics of the past. Probably the most memorable All-Star Game play occurred on July 14, 1970. The score was tied, 4-4, with two out in the bottom of the 12th inning. Hits by the Reds' Pete Rose and the Dodgers' Billy Grabarkewitz put runners on first and second. Then, the Cubs' Jim Hickman singled to center. Kansas City's Amos Otis hurriedly fielded the ball in shallow center and heaved it toward the plate as Rose barreled around third. Rose then bowled over Indians rookie catcher Ray Fosse to score the winning run and end the game. It was the eighth straight victory for the National League.

Over the years, a lot of people have put their own spin on the story. It was a dirty play by a dirty player, they say; Rose ruined Fosse's career in a meaningless game.

Let's review exactly what happened in the play. Rose is approaching home plate with the potential winning run. He starts to go into his patented head-first slide, but then he realizes something: Fosse, 3 inches taller, 20 pounds heavier, and covered with protective gear, has the plate blocked as he awaits the ball — which, incidentally, is against the rules. Rose can either (a) go face-first into Fosse's shin guards and get tagged out; (b) tip-toe around Fosse and get tagged out; or (c) go through him to win the game. Rose chooses "c," aborting his slide and laying out Fosse to end it. It was a clean play, a winning play, and neither player criticized the other then or now — in Fosse's words, it was "a couple of aggressive ballplayers doing their jobs."

Fosse (along with Indians pitcher Sam McDowell) had been Rose's houseguest the night before, talking baseball until 3 a.m. After the game, both players involved in the collision were hospitalized, but Fosse was released before Rose. Fosse was back in the lineup the first game after the break; Rose didn't play again until July 19, five days after the collision, and he didn't hit with authority for several weeks afterward (three extra-base hits in his next 85 at-bats, as compared to 58 in 564 the rest of the year).

It has been written that Fosse suffered a separated shoulder in the collision, but that it went undiagnosed. Fosse continued to hit for average (he finished the season at .307), but with diminished power — he had 16 homers before the break but two after. He played through the 1979 season, but never really approached his first-year numbers. Of course, that's true of a lot of hot-shot rookies.

As for the "meaninglessness" of the All-Star game, the original premise was "Let's pick the best players in each league, match them against each other, play for pride and glory, and see which league comes out on top." Somewhere over the past 25 years, it became "Let's find good players who don't want a three-day vacation, trot them out there for two or three innings each, encourage them to clown around, and play until they've had enough." Many people seem to prefer the latter; I don't. We'll see if the new rule — giving the winning league home-field advantage in the World Series — makes a difference.

Now, that's the REAL story. Gambling most likely had nothing to do with it.

24 posted on 01/09/2004 7:23:48 AM PST by thesummerwind (Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: thesummerwind
2008-- Yeah I knew that a number of Reds team mates were just shy of the Disabled list so I bet against the Reds.
25 posted on 01/09/2004 8:23:00 AM PST by tcuoohjohn (Follow The Money)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: GeneD
Right ,Pete...Blame your Mama. Mama made you bet on baseball and she is the fount of all your troubles. Let us hope your Mama isn't alive to read this.
26 posted on 01/09/2004 8:25:35 AM PST by tcuoohjohn (Follow The Money)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GeneD; thesummerwind; Lady Composer
Occasionally contrite but repeatedly the defiant, belligerent spark plug fans love, Pete Rose blames his accusers and medical conditions for the problems that got him kicked out of baseball.

Now I'm REALLY convinced Rose is a Democrat. Typical - blame everyone else but yourself.

27 posted on 01/09/2004 9:00:24 AM PST by NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Alberta's Child
Yeah, it's really apparent that Rose crossed that ethical line countless times. And that's just one more example.
28 posted on 01/09/2004 9:03:50 AM PST by NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: GeneD
He also compares his compulsive gambling to the behavior of former President Clinton, actors Robert Downey Jr. and Winona Ryder, and blames former Reds manager Jack McKeon and general manager Jim Bowden for not giving Pete Rose Jr. enough of a chance when he played for Cincinnati in 1997.

IIRC, Pete Rose Jr. not only wasn't a very good player, but he was also a rather poignant figure -- it was pretty obvious he was in baseball to get his father's attention. And even then, his father still didn't give him much attention.

29 posted on 01/09/2004 10:54:10 AM PST by NYCVirago
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
Now I'm REALLY convinced Rose is a Democrat. Typical - blame everyone else but yourself.

FWIW, Jimmy Carter has been fairly vocal about wanting Rose in the HOF, and back in baseball. Figures.

30 posted on 01/09/2004 10:57:36 AM PST by NYCVirago
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: NotJustAnotherPrettyFace
I am personally of the opinion that he should NOT EVER be allowed in the Hall of Fame.

I totally disagree with them but here is an editorial from what I thought was the conservative Pantagraph of Bloominton/Normal IL:

Pantagraph Editorial

Thursday, January 8, 2004
Let Rose in Hall of Fame despite lack of remorse

Pete Rose deserves to be in baseball's Hall of Fame, not because of his belated admission to betting on baseball as a manager but because of his record-setting career as a player.

For 14 years, Rose publicly denied betting on baseball. But now that he has a book to sell, he finally admits, "It's time to clear the slate." Yet we haven't heard any apologies to his accusers.

In 1989, still proclaiming his innocence, Rose accepted a "lifetime" ban from baseball, gambling that he would be reinstated later. So far, he's lost that bet. He is ineligible for the Hall of Fame as long as the ban is in place.

Rose's gambling and lying have tarnished his image. But those bad habits can't erase his career statistics, including numerous All-Star Game appearances, batting titles and the major league record for most career hits, surpassing Ty Cobb.

It's good to see Rose finally come clean, but it's distressing to see him continue to portray himself as a victim. His only remorse seems to be for getting caught.

"I should have had the opportunity to get help, but baseball had no fancy rehab for gamblers like they do for drug addicts," Rose writes in his book, "My Prison Without Bars."

Gambling can be an addiction, but Rose had an obligation to get help, not expect baseball to provide it.

He only bet on his team to win, as a manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and said it didn't affect his managerial decisions. But one has to wonder if, for example, Rose sometimes left a relief pitcher in too long to win a game on which he bet. Did he risk having that pitcher not be ready to pitch in the next game that was crucial to the team's season, but not crucial to Rose's betting?

Rose should not be allowed to coach or manage again. But barring him from the Hall of Fame hurts fans as well as Rose. It also hurts the integrity of baseball history to exclude such talent because of something that had nothing to do with his time as a player.

The truest words spoken by Rose came in an interview with ABC News in which he said of his admission, "I'm 14 years late."

But baseball shouldn't be as late in letting him take his rightful place in the Hall of Fame.
31 posted on 01/09/2004 10:58:38 AM PST by Lady Composer
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: thesummerwind
I agree with your summation of the events that happened in that game. As a catcher, I have been hammered many times while blocking the plate. If you block the plate, you should expect to take the beating that will inevitably come your way. If you set yourself up properly (and get the ball in time), with all of that gear, it's the other guy who's going to end up wishing he hadn't tried. In 42 years of playing, I've given as good as I got.

The worst hits that I've ever taken as a catcher (in high school, Babe Ruth, and college baseball and in league softball) were in Church League games. I once had to take 18 months off to allow my left knee to heal before I could pay again. I was blocking home plate and the throw came in from the cutoff man high. Instead of just letting it go, I went up on my left leg to pull it down and the runner slammed into me while I was planted and extended.

Using the situation of this game to block Pete Rose from the HOF is an insult to a fine catcher and one who knew the risks in that position.

32 posted on 01/09/2004 11:07:19 AM PST by BlueLancer (Der Elite Møøsënspåånkængrüppen ØberKømmååndø (EMØØK))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: BenLurkin
Then years later the betting scandal broke. It all became clear to me (though this is still just my allegation). Rose made an unnecessary play, ending a popular player's career, in an exhibition game (supposed to be fun) BECAUSE HE HAD BET ON THE GAME.

Rose went through Fosse to win the game because that is the only way he played the game. As was pointed out in the other post, replays show Rose started a headfirst slide and then stayed on his feet when he saw Fosse had the plate blocked.

33 posted on 01/09/2004 11:20:10 AM PST by Ghengis
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: BlueLancer
I went up on my left leg to pull it down and the runner slammed into me while I was planted and extended.

God, that hurts just envisioning it! BTW, I was a centerfielder. I used to envy you catchers in a wasy, you were always in the very middle of the game.

I was on third base , we had the bases loaded, no outs in a baseball game once at Pitt. There was a weak grounder to third, I was coming home to break up a possible double play (third base, to home, back to first base). So I came in standing up ran into this huge catcher, fell in a heap in the dirt at his feet, and he finished the double play by throwing to first. He hardly even flinched. Every time I think of it 35 years later, it's funny, but not that night! Ha!

34 posted on 01/09/2004 4:19:59 PM PST by thesummerwind (Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: tcuoohjohn
Yeah I knew that a number of Reds team mates were just shy of the Disabled list so I bet against the Reds.

LOL!

35 posted on 01/09/2004 4:21:18 PM PST by thesummerwind (Like painted kites, those days and nights, they went flyin' by)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: GeneD
Wow...Rose is quite a guy. Blames his dead mother for his problems. A real class act..
36 posted on 01/09/2004 4:47:49 PM PST by tcuoohjohn (Follow The Money)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: GeneD
He told about gambling on his team because he wants back into baseball he just told O'Reilly.

He simply cannot say "I did it.I was wrong.I was too ashamed to admit it."He told the"truth" because he wants back into baseball.

He doesn't seem to "get" the arrogance and lack of contrition that conveys.
37 posted on 01/09/2004 6:02:39 PM PST by MEG33 (We Got Him!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: thesummerwind; genghis
"Gambling most likely had nothing to do with it."

Maybe someday we'll know for sure one way or the other. Until then, in my mind the burden is on Rose to prove otherwise.

38 posted on 01/09/2004 8:01:49 PM PST by BenLurkin (Socialism is Slavery)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-38 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson