As the rain fell steadily on a somber Sunday in Cincinnati, thousands of baseball fans braved the weather to pay their respects to one of the game’s all-time greats, Pete Rose. The 14-hour visitation at Great American Ball Park, organized by the Cincinnati Reds and Rose’s family, was an emotional tribute to the beloved “Charlie Hustle,” who passed away on September 30 at the age of 83.
A Moving Farewell For A Hometown Hero
Despite the inclement weather, fans lined up as early as 4 a.m. to honor the iconic Rose, whose relentless passion for the game made him a cornerstone of the Cincinnati Reds’ legendary “Big Red Machine.” Rose, a 17-time All-Star, guided the Reds to consecutive World Series victories in 1975 and 1976, earning him the titles of National League MVP in 1973 and World Series MVP in 1975.
As fans filed past an urn containing Rose’s ashes and a display of his Reds Hall of Fame induction suit jacket, a highlight reel of his illustrious career played on the video boards, evoking powerful memories of his record-breaking 4,256 hits—the most in Major League Baseball history.
“He was a guy you thought was going to live forever,” longtime Reds fan Bob Augspurger reflected. “When I heard the news, obviously it was sad. Baseball lost its greatest ambassador.”
The Lasting Legacy Of “Charlie Hustle”
Despite controversy marring Rose’s career after his 1989 Major League Baseball ban for betting on the game, his contributions to the sport remain undeniable. Known for his unmatched work ethic and fiery dedication, Rose set major league records with 3,562 games played and 15,890 plate appearances, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats.
“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, deeply moved us,” said his daughter, Fawn Rose.
“Pete Rose Day” Honors A Cincinnati Icon
In recognition of Rose’s enduring legacy, the Cincinnati Reds have announced plans to honor him on “Pete Rose Day” on May 14, when the team faces 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 Rose’s relationship with the Baseball Hall of Fame has been fraught due to his lifetime ban, his fans continued to celebrate his unrelenting pursuit of excellence and his impact on the game, despite the flaws in his personal life.
As the rain-soaked visitation came to a close, fans left flowers and mementoes at the statue of Pete Rose that stands outside the ballpark’s main entrance, a testament to the enduring legacy of a baseball icon who left an indelible mark on the sport and the city of Cincinnati.
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