In case you are not familiar with who Pete Rose, or his story.. he was a baseball player. A damn good one. At 3,000 hits.. a baseball player is considered incredible, Hall of Fame type player... Pete Rose had 4,256... one of two players to have over 4,000 hits. And yes, he has more hits than the other guy... making him the all time hit leader. Why he isn't in the Hall of Fame you ask? Because he broke a particular rule. It states:
Any player, umpire, or club or league official or employee, who shall bet any sum whatsoever upon any baseball game in connection with which the bettor has a duty to perform shall be declared permanently ineligible.
There is no doubt that he in fact did bet on a baseball game he was connected with, however he bet on his OWN TEAM TO WIN. The rule most likely originated because if you bet your team to lose, you may throw the game. Or if a umpire/ referee bets on the game, they have too much control over the outcome. So the rule is well defined, and many will say: He broke a well-defined rule and must live with the consequences of his actions. However, I'm here to tell you, there are some rules that deserve an exception. And this is one of those cases.
In what cases is there an exception to a rule? I'm glad you asked. Lets step away from baseball and look at some random ideas for a bit.
Rule: You cannot kill someone.
Exception: Unless it's self defense.
Rule: You cannot start a fire.
Exception: Unless its contained in a fire pit.
Rule: The speed limit is 25mph.
Exception: 26- 30 mph, isn't particularly dangerous... and you may not be pulled over for doing so.
I'm gonna do a few more silly ones.
Rule (in my moms house): You can't wear shoes in the house.
Exception: You forgot your keys and have to grab them real quick.
Rule: A noun is a person, place, or thing.
Exception: They may someday become a verb. For example: "Texting"
Now for my favorite on this list.
Rule: You can't bet on baseball if you're involved in the game..
Exception: UNLESS YOU ARE PETE F*CKIN ROSE
Allow me to elaborate. As stated, he bet on his OWN team. He did so because he loved his team. He believed in his team. And he is not a perfect person. (Are any of us?) He definitely had a gambling problem, but he is still human, one of us. He has since apologized for disrespecting the game of baseball, and those who heard his public apology considered his remorse for his actions very sincere and genuine.
At the very least, I believe they should hold a trial for the man.. The Hit King. The man nicknamed "Charlie Hustle".. because nobody played the game with as much heart as he did. Rules do have exceptions as you saw earlier. Rules can get amended. And this is just heart-breaking to me. It's sad that the baseball community cannot forgive a man that gave so much to the game of baseball. Better yet, there should be a vote. A vote in which the fans of baseball decide. Because the switch hitting, hard-working, leader in MLB hits, deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame. Sure, a rule is a rule. But love is love. And that man loved baseball, his teammates, and its fans. And it's about time that love was reciprocated.
Peace & Love,
Yours truly
Comments