Will Pete Rose Receive A Posthumous Pardon From Trump?

Felix Dubois

5 min read

Post on Apr 29, 2025

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Understanding the Pete Rose Betting Scandal and Ban

Pete Rose's career, once celebrated as one of baseball's greatest, was irrevocably tarnished by a gambling scandal. In 1989, an investigation revealed Rose had bet on baseball games, including games involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds. This violated Major League Baseball's rules, leading to a lifetime ban from the sport. The severity of the violation stemmed from the inherent conflict of interest: a manager betting on games he was responsible for managing, thereby undermining the integrity of the game. The ban, imposed by then-commissioner Bart Giamatti, remains one of the most significant events in baseball history.

• Year of the ban: 1989
• Key figures involved: Pete Rose, Bart Giamatti (MLB Commissioner), John Dowd (investigator)
• Specific rules violated: MLB's rule prohibiting players and team personnel from betting on baseball games.
• Consequences of the ban: Lifetime ban from baseball, ineligibility for the Hall of Fame, loss of all official baseball records and accolades.

The Possibility of a Posthumous Pardon

The concept of a Pete Rose posthumous pardon raises complex legal questions. While the US president has the power to grant pardons for federal crimes, the legality of a posthumous pardon is less clear-cut. There's no explicit legal prohibition, but there's also limited precedent. Pardons typically aim to restore rights and clear a criminal record – actions that are obviously impossible after death. However, some argue a posthumous pardon could symbolically clear Rose's name and acknowledge a potential injustice.

• Examples of previous posthumous pardons: While rare, there have been instances of posthumous pardons in US history, primarily for individuals wrongly convicted or persecuted for political reasons. These cases provide some, albeit weak, precedent.
• Legal arguments for a Rose pardon: Supporters might argue that the severity of the ban was disproportionate to the crime, particularly given that Rose has expressed remorse for his actions.
• Political considerations for Trump: A Rose pardon could be seen by Trump as a way to appeal to a specific segment of his base— those who are nostalgic for baseball's past and those who might overlook the seriousness of Rose’s actions.

Public Opinion and the Baseball Community's Stance

Public opinion on a potential Pete Rose posthumous pardon remains deeply divided. Many fans believe Rose’s actions warrant the lifetime ban, emphasizing the importance of upholding baseball's integrity. Others, however, argue that Rose has paid his dues and deserves a second chance, even posthumously. The baseball community itself is similarly fractured, with Hall of Fame players expressing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.

• Polls and surveys: Public opinion polls on the topic show inconsistent results, reflecting the lack of consensus.
• Statements from prominent baseball figures: Some former players and officials have openly supported a pardon, while others staunchly oppose it.
• Arguments for and against forgiveness: Arguments for forgiveness often focus on Rose's lengthy career and contributions to the game, while opposing arguments highlight the seriousness of his actions and the risk of setting a dangerous precedent.

Trump's Presidential Record on Pardons and Rose's Case

Donald Trump's presidency was marked by a high number of controversial pardons, often granted to high-profile figures with political connections. Analyzing his past pardon decisions could offer insights into his potential approach to a Pete Rose posthumous pardon. While Trump never directly addressed a potential pardon for Rose during his presidency, his actions on similar cases might provide clues.

• Number of pardons granted: During his presidency, Trump granted a significantly higher number of pardons and commutations than previous presidents.
• Types of crimes: The types of crimes for which pardons were issued varied considerably, reflecting a lack of consistent criteria.
• Public comments on Rose: There’s no record of direct public comments from Trump regarding a potential pardon for Pete Rose.

The Legal Process and Potential Obstacles

The process for seeking a posthumous pardon is unclear. Typically, a pardon application is submitted by the individual involved. In Rose's case, it's uncertain who would initiate the process. The petition would likely need to address the legal arguments for a pardon, demonstrating sufficient grounds for the President to exercise this power, even posthumously.

• Who would initiate the pardon request?: It's likely Rose's family or a legal representative acting on their behalf would initiate such a request.
• Governing bodies involved: The process might involve navigating the complexities of Presidential pardons and potentially require interaction with MLB officials.
• Potential legal arguments against a pardon: Opponents will likely highlight the ongoing impact of Rose's actions on baseball’s integrity, emphasizing that a posthumous pardon would send the wrong message.

Conclusion

The possibility of a Pete Rose posthumous pardon from Donald Trump remains highly speculative. While legally possible, the process is fraught with uncertainties. The arguments for and against a pardon highlight a deep societal division regarding forgiveness and the importance of maintaining ethical standards in sports. The issue raises complex legal, ethical, and political questions, emphasizing the enduring legacy of Pete Rose's actions and their continuing impact on baseball. What are your thoughts on the possibility of a Pete Rose posthumous pardon? Share your opinion and join the conversation about this complex issue surrounding the Pete Rose posthumous pardon.