• Faith: Christian
• Career: Athlete
• Birthday:  April 14, 1941
• Date of Death:  September 30, 2024

Pete Rose was a professional baseball player and manager who surpassed Ty Cobb's long-standing record of 4,189 career hits in 1985. Throughout his career, Rose was celebrated for his versatility and relentless energy on the field. Named Player of the Decade (1970–79) by "The Sporting News," his achievements were widely recognized. However, by the end of his playing days, Rose became more infamous for the gambling allegations that ultimately led to his lifetime ban from Major League Baseball in 1989.

Rose was born on April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, into a blue-collar family that instilled a strong work ethic. The son of Harry and LaVerne Rose, Pete was exposed to competitive sports at an early age, with his father being an amateur athlete. Pete's father was his primary role model, teaching him to work hard in everything he did, whether in school or on the baseball diamond.

Growing up in a large family, Pete developed a love for baseball, playing for local teams as a child and excelling at the sport throughout his school years. His high-energy style and determination earned him the nickname "Charlie Hustle," a moniker that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Though he struggled academically, Pete’s focus remained on one goal: to make it to Major League Baseball.

Pete Rose’s professional career began when he signed with the Cincinnati Reds in 1960. He made his major league debut on April 8, 1963, and quickly established himself as one of the hardest-working players in the game. His aggressive playing style, marked by his willingness to run out every play, even when it seemed hopeless, endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

He holds the all-time record for most career hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14,053). He won three World Series championships, was named the National League's Most Valuable Player in 1973, and made 17 All-Star appearances in five different positions (first base, second base, third base, left field, and right field)—a testament to his versatility.

His most famous years were spent with the Cincinnati Reds, particularly during their "Big Red Machine" era in the 1970s when they dominated Major League Baseball. Rose also had stints with the Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos, before returning to the Reds as a player-manager.

However, Rose’s career wasn’t without its dark chapters. In 1989, Major League Baseball banned Pete Rose for life following accusations that he had gambled on baseball games, including those involving the Reds while he was the team's manager. Initially denying the allegations, Rose maintained his innocence for over a decade.

The evidence against him was damning, though, and it became clear that Rose had indeed bet on games—an unforgivable transgression in the eyes of Major League Baseball. This scandal not only tarnished his legacy but also led to his exclusion from the Baseball Hall of Fame, despite his extraordinary on-field accomplishments. The ban remained a subject of heated debate for decades, with many arguing that Rose’s contributions to the sport merited recognition in Cooperstown, while others believed his actions justified his exclusion.

In 2004, Pete Rose finally admitted in his autobiography, "My Prison Without Bars" that he had gambled on baseball. Although this confession brought some closure, it did little to change his standing with the Hall of Fame or the public perception of him.

Despite the gambling controversy, Pete Rose remained a popular figure in the baseball world, often making public appearances, signing autographs, and engaging with fans. In the years following his ban, he became a regular figure in Las Vegas, where he signed memorabilia and interacted with those who still idolized him.

Rose was married three times. His first marriage was to Karolyn Englehardt in 1964, and the couple had two children, Fawn and Pete Rose Jr. Rose Jr. followed in his father's footsteps, briefly playing professional baseball, though never reaching the heights of his father’s career. Pete and Karolyn divorced in 1980.

In 1984, Rose married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung, with whom he had two more children, Tyler and Cara. His second marriage also ended in divorce in 2011. Pete later entered a long-term relationship with Kiana Kim, a Playboy model, which became public through the reality television show "Pete Rose: Hits & Mrs." The show depicted the couple’s life together, including their plans for marriage and Pete’s attempts to reconcile his tarnished legacy with his family life.

On September 28, 2024, Pete Rose passed away at the age of 83 after a long battle with various health issues.

Pete Rose's Religious Beliefs

In the twilight of his life, Pete Rose began a spiritual journey that would surprise many of his longtime fans and critics alike. After years of public denials and personal struggles, Rose reportedly found solace in Christianity. While his gambling scandal had caused immense damage to his reputation, his newfound faith seemed to offer him a form of redemption.

According to reports, Rose acknowledged his mistakes and began talking about his belief in Jesus Christ. This revelation became public through a satirical piece in "The Brushback," but it captured an underlying truth about Rose’s evolving outlook on life. Rose spoke about how faith helped him reflect on his past actions, including the choices that led to his lifetime ban from Major League Baseball. While his conversion didn’t necessarily bring him back into the good graces of the MLB, it did seem to offer him a personal sense of peace and redemption.