Thousands of fans braved steady rain at Great American Ball Park on Sunday to honor Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader, who passed away on September 30 at the age of 83. The Cincinnati Reds organized the 14-hour visitation, a tribute to Rose’s iconic jersey number, with the help of his daughters, Fawn and Kara. Fans had the opportunity to meet Rose’s daughters, share stories, exchange hugs, and even shed a few tears as they paid their respects.
Rick Walls, executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame, noted that the overwhelming turnout reflected the deep impact Rose had on the Cincinnati community and the baseball world. “You could see from the turnout, it means a lot to the people here. It’s a moving experience,” Walls said.
Pete Rose, affectionately known as “Charlie Hustle” for his tireless passion for the game, was the driving force behind Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine teams that won back-to-back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. A 17-time All-Star, Rose played on three World Series-winning teams and was named National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP in 1975. He holds Major League Baseball records for most games played (3,562) and plate appearances (15,890), but his greatest achievement was breaking Ty Cobb’s career hits record with 4,256 hits.
Despite his legendary career, Rose’s off-field issues, including betting on Reds games from 1985 to 1987, led to his permanent ban from Major League Baseball in 1989. Two years later, the Hall of Fame barred players on the permanent ineligible list from appearing on the Hall of Fame ballot. Still, Rose remained a beloved figure among fans, many of whom arrived as early as 4 a.m. Sunday to pay tribute.
During the visitation, fans slowly filed past an urn containing Rose’s ashes, as well as a display of his Reds Hall of Fame induction jacket and other memorabilia. A highlight reel of his career played on the ballpark’s video boards. Outside the ballpark, fans left flowers and mementos at the statue of Rose, which stands near the entrance.
Longtime Reds fan Bob Augspurger shared the sentiment of many, saying, “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.”
Fawn Rose expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support from fans and the baseball community, saying in a statement, “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.”
In a further tribute, the Reds will honor Rose during a special “Pete Rose Day” on May 14, when the team faces the Chicago White Sox. The game will begin at 7:14 p.m., a nod to Rose’s iconic No. 14 jersey.
