Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez expressed his deep emotion and sadness at MLB’s recent decision to allow Pete Rose’s potential posthumous induction into the Hall of Fame. In a candid interview during Fanatics Fest with Evan & Tiki, Rodriguez shared his feelings about the situation of his “great friend” Rose, whose controversial career has kept him out of the Hall of Fame.
MLB’s decision, announced in May by commissioner Rob Manfred, establishes that players will be removed from the ineligible list after their death. This paves the way for Pete Rose, the all-time Major League hits leader, to be considered for induction. Rose, who died in September 2024, had been banned for life from organized baseball after admitting in 2004 that he bet on Cincinnati Reds games during his time as a player and manager of the team.
Alex Rodriguez’s words reflected the deep admiration and regret he feels for Rose. “Pete Rose, a great friend of mine, it just breaks my heart that he’s going to go in now, because I’ve never met anyone who loves baseball more than Pete Rose, and it broke my heart that he couldn’t get in while he was alive,” he explained quite emotionally.
Baseball is hard, it’s a life sentence
Alex Rodriguez’s past
In the interview, Alex Rodriguez also took the opportunity to look back and recall negative moments that helped him to be a better person. “I’m living the American dream today. But I think moments like ’04 when we lost after going up 3-0 or my suspension for PED, I think about those moments, and I’ve literally never been happier in my life because I’m so full of gratitude for the career I’ve had through the ups and downs.”
Rodriguez acknowledged the negative impact of his mistakes on his possible induction into the Hall of Fame: “And because of my mistakes, I may not end up in the Hall of Fame,” he said. “And we’ve talked about this before. You know, going through my therapy, doing my work, learning from my mistakes. I’ve never been in a better place. It still bothers me, I want to be in the Hall of Fame, of course.”
The debate on second chances
Alex Rodriguez’s suspension for using banned substances has generated intense debate among MLB fans and analysts about whether or not he deserves a place among baseball’s greats. His numbers on the field are undeniable, but the controversy surrounding his career has complicated his path.
Rodriguez’s emotional reaction to Rose’s situation not only reveals the deep connection that existed between the two, but also offers insight into the complex dynamics of sporting legacy and second chances. As Rose approaches possible posthumous enshrinement, Rodriguez continues to deal with the consequences of his own decisions.
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