Baseball bat used by Pete Rose, Cincinnati Reds

Baseball bat used by Pete Rose as a member of the Cincinnati Reds.

Peter Pete Rose (1941-2024) currently has the record for most hits in American Major League Baseball with 4,256. Known as Charlie Hustle for his aggressive style of play, Rose was a seventeen-time all-star, led the National League in batting three times, and was named the League's Most Valuable Player in 1973. Following his playing career, Rose managed the Cincinnati Reds, where, in 1989, he was found guilty of betting on baseball games. This led to his placement on Major League Baseballs ineligible list, effectively banning him from the sport.

Rose, who appeared in more games (3,562) and had more at-bats (14,053) than any other MLB player, played for the Cincinnati Reds (1963-1978, 1984-1986) Philadelphia Phillies (1979-1983) and Montreal Expos (1984.) A switch-hitter, Rose starred as both infielder and outfielder, winning two gold gloves.

The National League's Rookie of the Year in 1963, Rose helped lead Cincinnati's Big Red Machine to back to back World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. He would attain a third championship ring as a member of the Phillies in 1980.

With a lifetime batting average of .303, Rose had 160 home runs and 1,314 runs batted in for his career. In 1977, he hit safely in 44 straight games, tying the longest streak in National League history. He broke Ty Cobb's long-standing all-time hit record in 1985, retiring the following season.

Named manager of the Reds in 1984, Rose compiled a 412-373 record before being placed on baseball's ineligible list for gambling on baseball. This status has kept Rose away from most MLB baseball functions, including eligibility for induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

In 1990 Rose was sentenced to five months in a Federal penitentiary for filing false income tax returns.

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