The baseball community is in mourning following the passing of Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, who died at 83 this week. Known for his grit and talent, Rose left a lasting legacy, and those who knew him well, like former broadcaster Thom Brennaman, are reflecting on the impact he made on and off the field.
A Father-Son Tribute to Pete Rose
Marty Brennaman, the legendary announcer for the Cincinnati Reds, was a constant presence throughout Rose’s career. Thom Brennaman, Marty’s son, shared the bond his father had with Rose, revealing, “My dad’s having a really hard time. (Marty Brennaman) broadcasted the team for 47 years. In fact, he has not gone on any shows like this or done any interviews since finding out the news last night; and I talked to him, and he said, ‘You know, my two best friends in baseball have died in the last two years, in Joe Morgan and Pete Rose.’”
Thom noted how close his father was to both Rose and Morgan, saying, “I mean, those three guys were inseparable for years and even now talked all the time on the phone and got together a number of times a year.”
A Career to Remember
Rose, who joined the Reds in the early 1960s, became an unforgettable part of baseball history. Marty Brennaman’s voice was the backdrop for some of Rose’s greatest moments, including the record-breaking 4,192nd hit in 1985.
Reflecting on Rose’s worldwide fame, Thom said, “Look, you can like him, you can hate him. During the 1970s and 1980s, I think the only athlete that was more well-known around the world was Muhammad Ali. Everybody knew Pete Rose. He was the man.” He added, “But man, you’d take him on your team all day every day.”
A Polarizing Legacy
Though Rose’s achievements on the field are unmatched—three World Series titles, an MVP award, and a record-breaking 17 All-Star appearances—his life was not without controversy. In 1989, Rose was banned from baseball due to gambling allegations, a shadow that followed him even as he earned a place in fans’ hearts.
In 1991, Rose was declared “permanently ineligible” for the Baseball Hall of Fame, a decision reinforced when Rose admitted in 2004 that he bet on games, including those of his own Reds team. Despite this, his legacy as one of baseball’s most recognizable figures endures.
A Farewell to a Legend
Regardless of Hall of Fame recognition, Pete Rose remains a beloved figure among fans and friends alike. His legacy will live on not just through his records, but through the memories shared by those who admired him both as a player and a person. The outpouring of love and respect demonstrates just how much he meant to the world of baseball.
