When Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb’s record on September 11, 1985, it marked a seismic shift in Major League Baseball. Standing beside him that historic night was his 15-year-old son, Pete Rose Jr., sharing the moment as his father cemented his place as the all-time hit leader. That legacy loomed large not just over baseball but within the Rose family, with Pete Jr. eventually following in his father’s footsteps to debut in the MLB for the Cincinnati Reds-the same team where his father became an icon.
Rose Sr.’s influence stretched far beyond his impressive 4,256 career hits and three World Series championships. His gritty, never-say-die attitude made him a hero in Cincinnati and earned him a permanent spot in baseball history. The Rose family was synonymous with baseball royalty, despite the controversies that later clouded the elder Rose’s career. But to Pete Rose Jr., his father wasn’t just the “Hit King”-he was a hero, a mentor, and above all, a beloved “Pops.”
On Tuesday, Pete Rose Jr. took to social media to express his heartbreak over the loss of his father, who passed away at the age of 83. Sharing a personal tribute on X, Rose Jr. posted a screenshot of a cherished photo: a young Pete Rose preparing to take the field for the Reds.“I wasn’t old enough when this was taken,” Rose Jr. wrote, “but once I was, we always walked out together! I will never forget those walks, Pop, as that was our time!! My idol, My hero, most of all My Pops!! Rest Easy Pops!!!”
The sentiment resonated with fans and teammates alike, who remember Pete Rose not just for his achievements but for his relentless work ethic and passion for the game. Rose Sr. was part of the legendary “Big Red Machine” of the 1970s, leading the Reds to back-to-back World Series victories in 1975 and 1976. He would add a third ring to his collection in 1980 with the Philadelphia Phillies. His 17 All-Star Game appearances and Rookie of the Year and MVP awards only scratched the surface of his storied career.
Johnny Bench, one of Rose’s closest teammates during the “Big Red Machine” era, reflected on his friend’s passing with a touching statement. “There will never be another like Pete Rose,” Bench said.“He battled his entire life, making it to the Big Leagues on determination and grit. He wanted to win every game and get 3-no, make that 4…no, 5 hits every day.”
Pete Rose’s unmatched legacy and a son’s emotional farewell
Rose’s on-field achievements are the stuff of legend. He played in 3,562 games, was on base 5,929 times, and recorded 13 seasons of 190 or more hits-a feat that remains unmatched. But beyond the numbers, it was his heart and will to win that defined him. “He wanted Ty Cobb’s record,” Bench added. “And he got it.”
While the baseball world mourns the loss of a giant, Pete Rose Jr.’s tribute struck a deeper chord-one of a son losing his father. Their shared history on and off the field symbolized more than just baseball greatness; it was a father-son bond shaped by a mutual love for the game. Despite the fame, the records, and the accolades, it was the simple moments that meant the most to Pete Rose Jr.
As the tributes continue to pour in from around the league, one thing is certain: the impact Pete Rose had on the game, his teammates, and his family will never be forgotten. While debates may continue over Rose’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame due to gambling controversies, his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of all time is indisputable.
And for Pete Rose Jr., the legacy of his father will forever be personal. “Rest Easy Pops,” his message concluded, a poignant farewell from a son who not only grew up in the shadow of baseball’s hit king but who cherished every moment he spent walking beside him.
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