1976 Topps #240 - Pete Rose

• I'm not even going to try to do a synopsis of Pete's career. It would take many, many paragraphs and I wouldn't be able to do it justice anyway.

• Pete Rose was my favorite player when I was growing up. I liked his aggressive style. Pete's love for the game showed through every time he played. I was too young for Pete's weaknesses to register in my mind. I just saw what he did on the field.

• When I was growing up there were posters, cards, and magazine clippings of various ballplayers on my bedroom wall. A good number of them were of Pete. I got mad at the Reds and stopped rooting for them when Pete left after the 1978 season. I did the same thing when the Phillies benched Pete for a game in the 1983 World Series and let Pete leave after the series was over.

• When the gambling scandal hit, my first reaction was, "it can't be true." I didn't think Pete would be that stupid. I didn't think he would sacrifice the thing he loved the most just for some instant gratification from betting. I learned a lot about how much pride and addiction can bring people down. A while before his banishment from baseball (I forget exactly when) I had an inkling that something bad would happen. He was due to come to Phoenix for a card/autograph show. I bought a ball and a case and was in line ready to have Pete sign. A guy came out and said that Pete missed his flight and wouldn't be there. Our admission fees were refunded but I was still disappointed. That was the last time that I even considered going to an autograph show and paying for an autograph.

• Does Pete Rose belong in the Hall of Fame? If the Hall is a museum of baseball history, then Pete should be in there somehow. His banishment should be noted on his plaque. Future baseball fans should be able to see both the triumphs and tragedies of Pete's life and career. Should he be allowed to work as a manager or a coach? No way.
• Liked to face: Don Sutton (.339 in 177 AB); Juan Marichal (.341 in 123 AB); Larry Dierker (.343 in 102 AB); Ron Reed (.376 in 101 AB)
• Hated to face: Jerry Reuss (.244 in 119 AB); Bob Forsch (.198 in 101 AB); Don Wilson (.234 in 107 AB); Randy Jones (.183 in 93 AB)