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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > July > 28
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Selig NOT considering Rose’s reinstatement
All those who were dancing down the driveway when they heard that Bud Selig is agreeable to considering the reinstatement of Pete Rose, well, unlace those dancing shoes and put ‘em back in the closet.
It ain’t true.
The New York Daily News broke the “story” Monday, but on Tuesday the author, columnist Bill Madden, backed down and printed what almost resembled a retraction. The headline said it all: “Selig won’t ease up on Rose.”
I can sniff exactly what happened. It has happened to me. I wrote a story once and the next day Commissioner Selig was on the phone personally, straightening me out.
Madden is a close friend of mine and I respect him immensely. He is on the writers ballot for the Spink Award and Hall of Fame induction next year. He attends the Hall of Fame ceremonies every year and talks to all the Hall of Famers.
Somebody steered him wrong. I noticed there were no quotes from Selig on the story that he is considering Rose’s reinstatement. Madden talked about Hank Aaron backing Rose, along with Joe Morgan and Frank Robinson. Somebody spoon-fed him false information - maybe even some of Rose’s people, who have been known to do that.
Anyway, I suspect Selig called Madden on Monday and set the record straight.
And that record is that nothing has changed in Selig’s mind toward Pete Rose. And I remain convinced that Rose will never be reinstated as long as Selig is commissioner.
Reinstating Rose would send a message that Selig considers Rose exonerated, that betting on baseball won’t get you the lifetime ban that the rule says it will. This is the 20th year of Rose’s banishment and Selig isn’t about to give him a 20th anniversary present. And I wouldn’t bet (pardon the expression) on a 25-year gift, either.
What you do folks think?
Is what Rose did so despicable that he should be banned forever - no Hall of Fame, no return to baseball as manager or coach?
Should he be reinstated so that he would be eligible for the Hall of Fame, but not be permitted back in baseball in any capacity?
Should all restraints be removed so he can both be in the Hall of Fame and also coach or manage?
Remember one thing. Even if Selig were to reinstate him, that doesn’t put him in the Hall of Fame. The 15-year statute of limitations has expired on the baseball writers ballot. His Hall of Fame future would be in the hands of the Veterans Committee and I don’t think he’ll have their support.
Also, please, no arguments about steroid users. That’s apples and oranges. Different circumstances.
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