Commissioner mantains Pete Rose’s ban, but says he could be considered for Hall of Fame

Major League Baseball on Monday denied Pete Rose’s request for reinstatement.

In 1989, Rose agreed to a lifetime ban from baseball amid rumors that he bet on baseball while playing and managing. In 2004, Rose admitted to placing bets on games while he was managing.

“In short, Mr. Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life,” commissioner Rob Manfred wrote.

The ban means Rose can’t work or manage for a major-league team or its minor-league affiliates.

However, Manfred wrote that the ban shouldn’t stop Rose from being considered for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. He is the all-time leader in hits with 4,256.

“Under the Major League Constitution, my only concern has to be the protection of the integrity of play on the field through appropriate enforcement of the Major League Rules,” Manfred wrote. “It is not a part of my authority or responsibility here to make any determination concerning Mr. Rose’s eligibility as a candidate for election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame (‘Hall of Fame’). In fact, in my view, the considerations that should drive a decision on whether an individual should be allowed to work in Baseball are not the same as those that should drive a decision on Hall of Fame eligibility.”

That part of Manfred’s statement was welcomed by some people.

Any chance of getting Rose up for a vote to the Hall of Fame would be in the hands of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (under unusual circumstances) or the Veterans Committee.

However, there are those who don’t believe Rose should be in the Hall or think he even has a chance.