It might not be Cooperstown, but it is another step forward for Pete Rose. The Philadelphia Phillies announced two days ago that Rose will be inducted into their Wall of Fame on August 12th. Pete Rose played five seasons with the Phillies and led them to their first World Series win in 1980. During those years, Rose was a fan favorite with an impressive 390 runs. His hustle and never-ending energy was contagious among teammates and fans alike.
The induction into the Wall of Fame is not the only honor Rose will receive this summer. The first will be in his hometown of Cincinnati on June 17th when a Rose statue will be unveiled. Rose played most of his career for the Reds, returning to Cincinnati for his final seasons. The Reds retired his number and he is in the Cincinnati Hall of Fame.
Pete Rose, Johnny Bench and Dave Concepcion were Don’s three favorite baseball players when he was growing up. The three were on the team known as the Big Red Machine and undoubtedly were many boys’ baseball heroes at that time. Although Don has always been an Indians fan, he went to Cincinnati when he was young and became a Reds fan also.
As soon as we heard the news about Rose, we began making tentative plans to attend his induction ceremony this summer in Philadelphia. Maybe, some year, we will be making plans to go to Cooperstown for his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame!