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Why Pete Rose's induction into the Reds Hall of Fame is important

gettyimages-480693488.0.jpgPete Rose will be inducted into the Hall of Fame this coming June.

No, not THAT Hall of Fame. The one in Cincinnati.

But why is this important? It is important because it gives the city that has benefited from the Hit King, to enshrine him in their personal Cooperstown. Big deal right? Actually, it is.

Fast forward fifteen years. I take my two young kids and wife to visit the Reds Hall of Fame, to show them the people we all grew up idolizing. As I show them the likes of Skip Schumaker and Joey Votto, my youngest son walks up to the plaque with the words "Pete Rose" engraved. Him not being old enough to read, I tell him that he was the greatest hitter of all time, and although I never got to watch him in person, I did get to meet him and watch him walk out on the field to be recognized at the All-Star Game all the way back in 2015. On the plaque, it states, "Rose was banned for life in 1989, and after many appeals remains banned. He was possibly the greatest hitter of all time, with the highest Batting Average, Hits, and Plate Appearances in Reds history..." My young son asks, "But Dad, why is he banned?" I tell him, "Well, he bet on his team to win games, and won lots of money doing that." I really took this to the point where I don't know what a 6 year old kid would say next, but the point stands. Pete having his number retired and arriving in the Hall of Fame is extremely important.

Pete Rose will become immortal in the city of Cincinnati. He will live on past the oral traditions of those who watched him play in person, his plaque and videos will live on.

Long live the Hit King.