Pete Rose is the Michael Jordan of baseball. In a state known for its basketball legends, that should say something. Rose was an amazing athlete. His athleticism and achievements are renowned. In 1963, Rose made his Major League Baseball debut with the Cincinnati Reds. He hit .273 and was named Rookie of the Year. In 1978 it had reached 3,000 visits and in 1980 4,000. In 1982, he broke Ty Cobb's record and became the all-time hit leader. He finished his career with 4,256 hits in 1989. He was a standout player who played an unmatched five different positions and led two teams to three World Series titles (Dodd, 1994). Unfortunately, his fall from grace is equally well known. Charged and ultimately convicted of tax evasion, Rose was sentenced to five months in prison, community service and probation. In an out-of-court settlement with MLB, Rose accepted a lifetime ban from Major League Baseball. Although it was alleged, but never proven, that he bet on baseball games, the ban was upheld in a subsequent vote by the Hall of Fame Board of Directors (Bodley, 1991). Most experts and fans accept and approve of Rose's ban from baseball; however, some argue that Rose's accomplishments should be recognized in the Hall of Fame. The consensus of those in baseball, fans and those knowledgeable about the sport all agree that Rose's credentials have earned him a spot in Cooperstown, New York. All these experts recognize Pete Rose as the pioneer of today's baseball athletes. From his incredible skills with the bat to his signature upside-down slides, Rose is recognized as the extraordinary athlete he was by fans and pundits alike. It's only when we start discussing his off-screen antics that the misunderstanding begins....... middle of paper ......m http://www.lexisnexis.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech .edu .allstate.libproxy.ivyt ech.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/Dodd, M. (1999, November 30). The roster debate that ignites the banned player increases reinstatement efforts. USA Today, p. 1c. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.lexisnexis.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech.edu.allstate.libproxy.ivyt ech.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/Perkins, D. (1991, January 7). Rose pays a debt to society, now the baseball debt is due. Toronto Star, p. d1. Retrieved April 13, 2011, from http://www.lexisnexis.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech.edu.allstate.libproxy.ivyt ech.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/Wheeler, L. (1989, June 29). In Cincinnati, Rose is still a hero. New York Times, p. b12. Retrieved April 11, 2011, from http://www.lexisnexis.com.indianapolis.libproxy.ivytech.edu.allstate.libproxy.ivyt ech.edu/hottopics/lnacademic/