In a historic move, Major League Baseball (MLB) has officially removed Pete Rose, ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson, and other deceased players from its permanently ineligible list. This decision, announced on Tuesday by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred, clears the way for these legendary figures to be considered for the Baseball Hall of Fame—possibly as early as 2028.
What Did the MLB Decide?
Manfred explained that MLB bans no longer apply after a person has passed away, saying they no longer pose a risk to the game’s integrity. “Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game,” Manfred wrote in a letter to attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov, who had petitioned for Rose’s removal from the list earlier this year.
Who Else Was Removed from the Banned List?
Besides Rose and Jackson, 16 other deceased players and one deceased owner were removed from the list. These include Jackson’s 1919 Chicago White Sox teammates such as:
- Eddie Cicotte
- George ‘Buck’ Weaver
These players were part of the infamous 1919 “Black Sox” scandal, where they were accused of fixing the World Series.
Why Were They Banned?
Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, was banned in 1989 after it was proven he bet on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. Rose died in September 2024 at the age of 83.
Joe Jackson and seven other White Sox players were banned for life in 1921 due to their alleged roles in the 1919 scandal. Jackson passed away in 1951.
What Happens Next?
Thanks to this decision, Rose and Jackson are now eligible to be voted into the Hall of Fame. Their cases will be reviewed by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027. To be inducted, they’ll need 12 of 16 votes—making the earliest possible enshrinement summer 2028.
Reaction to the Decision
Supporters Celebrate
Jeffrey Lenkov, who led the petition to reinstate Rose, said it’s been a long journey. He plans to meet with Hall of Fame officials to discuss Rose’s candidacy further.
“Reds Nation will not only be able to celebrate Pete’s legacy, but now optimistically be able to look forward to the possibility that Pete will join other baseball immortals,” he said.
Critics Disagree
However, not everyone is pleased. John Dowd, who conducted the original investigation into Rose, criticized the ruling.
“There’s no difference with him being dead – it’s about behavior, conduct, and reputation,” Dowd told ESPN, arguing that a ban should reflect a lifetime judgment, not end after death.
Baseball Legacies: Rose and Jackson by the Numbers
- Pete Rose:
- 4,256 career hits (MLB record)
- .303 batting average
- 3-time World Series champion
- Joe Jackson:
- .356 career batting average (4th highest in MLB history)
- Known for his incredible talent, despite the scandal