Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time record holder for hits and a three-time World Series winner, has died aged 83.
Rose won the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976 before also claiming it with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980.
Nicknamed ‘Charlie Hustle’, he won the 1973 National League MVP award and was the 1975 World Series MVP.
He was also selected for the All-Star Game 17 times in 21 seasons – at an unprecedented five different positions across the infield and outfield.
Rose, who also had a brief stint with the Montreal Expos, went on to take charge of the Reds from 1984-89, with the first three years as player-manager.
However, he was given a lifetime ban in 1989 for betting on baseball games in which he had been involved as player or manager – which, controversially, rendered him permanently ineligible from being chosen for MLB’s Hall of Fame.
In his 2004 autobiography, he admitted to gambling on Reds games, but insisted he had never bet against his own team.
“Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Rose’s family, his friends across the game, and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia and beyond who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace,” MLB said in a statement.
Rose accumulated a record 4,256 hits – which MLB defines as a batter striking the baseball into fair territory and reaching base without doing so via an error or a fielder’s choice – and played 3,562 games during his career, more than any other player.
“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete’s passing,” said Bob Castellini, the Reds’ principal owner and managing partner.
“He was one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen, and every team he played for was better because of him.
“Pete was a Red through and through. No one loved the game more than Pete and no one loved Pete more than Reds Country. We must never forget what he accomplished.”
After being banned from baseball, Rose also took part in professional wrestling, making some memorable appearances at Wrestlemania between 1998 and 2000, and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004., external