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Thousands of baseball fans braved steady rain on Sunday to pay their respects to Pete Rose, baseball's all-time leader in hits, who passed away on September 30 at the age of 83. The 14-hour visitation, held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, was a heartfelt tribute to a legend, organized by the Cincinnati Reds with the support of Rose's daughters, Fawn and Kara.
A moving tribute to "Charlie Hustle"
Despite the inclement weather, fans lined up as early as 4 a.m. to honour the iconic "Charlie Hustle", whose relentless passion for the game made him a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Rose, who led the Reds to back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976, was the driving force behind the team's legendary "Big Red Machine." A 17-time All-Star, Rose also won the National League MVP in 1973 and was named World Series MVP in 1975.
Known for his unmatched work ethic and fiery dedication, Rose set major league records with 3,562 games played and 15,890 plate appearances, but his most celebrated milestone is his record-breaking 4,256 hits, surpassing the legendary Ty Cobb's 4,191.
A somber day of reflection and remembrance
Fans passed by an urn containing Rose's ashes and a display of his Reds Hall of Fame induction suit jacket, along with other pieces of memorabilia. As they paid tribute, a highlight reel of Rose’s illustrious career played on video boards throughout the concourse, evoking powerful memories of his accomplishments on the diamond.
In a deeply emotional moment, fans left flowers and mementoes at the statue of Pete Rose, which stands outside the main entrance to the ballpark. For many, Rose was more than just a baseball player, he was the face of the sport, an embodiment of its history and passion.
Longtime Reds fan Bob Augspurger reflected on Rose’s legacy: “He was a guy you thought was going to live forever. When I heard the news, obviously it was sad. Baseball lost its greatest ambassador.”
The Legacy of Pete Rose
Though Rose’s career was marred by controversy after he was banned from Major League Baseball in 1989 for betting on the game, his contributions to the sport remain undeniable. Rose’s relationship with the Hall of Fame has been fraught, as his gambling scandal cast a long shadow over his achievements. However, his fans continued to celebrate his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and his impact on the game, despite the flaws in his personal life.
Rose’s daughter, Fawn Rose, expressed the family's gratitude for the outpouring of support, saying, “We are deeply moved by the overwhelming love and support from the people of Cincinnati, the entire baseball community, and fans across the world as we mourn the loss of our beloved Dad, Grandpa, and Brother, Pete Rose.”
"Pete Rose Day" to be held in May
The Cincinnati Reds have announced plans to honour Pete Rose on “Pete Rose Day”, scheduled for May 14 when the Reds face the Chicago White Sox. The game will feature a special ceremony, with the first pitch set for 7:14 p.m., in homage to Rose’s iconic No. 14 jersey.
Though Pete Rose's career was marked by controversy, his contributions to baseball cannot be overlooked. Sunday's visitation was a reminder of the lasting impact Rose had on the game and the city of Cincinnati, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fans and players alike.
