The baseball world is in mourning after the passing of MLB legend Pete Rose. Rose, the all-time hits leader, died on Sept. 30 at the age of 83. Despite his historic achievements on the diamond, Rose’s Hall of Fame aspirations were tainted by his decision to bet on baseball games. His cause of death was revealed to be hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease by the Clark County Coroner’s Office in Nevada. Rose spent 19 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, playing alongside Tony Perez for 16 of those years. Perez and other members of the Reds’ “Big Red Machine” attended a collectible show in Nashville just one day before Rose’s passing.
Perez recalled his final moments with Rose at the collectible show, noting that Rose did not seem to be his usual self. Concerns were raised among their friends and teammates as Rose appeared unwell and not as talkative as usual. Johnny Bench, another former Reds player and Hall of Famer, shared that other retired players who attended the show expressed their worries about Rose’s condition. Bench emphasized the sadness surrounding Rose’s decline in health and echoed concerns for his former teammate’s well-being. Perez also reflected on seeing Rose six months prior at a different card show, noting that his condition appeared to be much better at that time.
Perez emphasized the impact Rose had on his teammates and the way he pushed them to play hard and give their best on the field. Rose’s tireless work ethic and dedication to the game served as an inspiration to those around him. Perez highlighted the importance of emulating Rose’s commitment to the sport and giving maximum effort in every aspect of the game. Rose’s legacy and impact on baseball were evident in the way he approached each game with passion and determination. His influence extended beyond the field, leaving a lasting impression on his teammates and fans alike.
The baseball community expressed their grief and heartfelt condolences following Rose’s passing, with many expressing their sorrow and disbelief at the loss of a baseball legend. Rose’s contributions to the sport and his record-breaking achievements will forever be remembered, despite the controversy that surrounded his gambling scandal. The impact Rose had on the game and his teammates was undeniable, with his work ethic and passion for baseball serving as a source of inspiration for many. The loss of Rose has left a void in the baseball world, with fans and former teammates mourning the passing of a true legend of the sport.
Bench reflected on the concern expressed by their fellow retired players about Rose’s health in the days leading up to his passing. The sadness and shock of losing a beloved friend and teammate were palpable among those who knew Rose well. Bench paid tribute to Rose’s legacy and the mark he left on the baseball world, emphasizing the impact of his work ethic and dedication to the game. Rose’s memory will forever be cherished by those who knew him, with his influence on the sport continuing to inspire future generations of baseball players. The loss of Rose serves as a reminder of the impact one person can have on a sport and the lasting legacy they leave behind.
