The Decision

This decision came shortly after the passing of Pete Rose, who died eight months prior, and is timed just one day before the Cincinnati Reds are set to honor him during Pete Rose Night. Manfred also indicated that permanent bans for others who have been historically barred from baseball will now be reconsidered to expire upon the individual’s death.

Rationale Behind the Reinstatement

Commissioner Manfred reassessed the interpretation of “permanently ineligible” as per Rule 21, which addresses gambling and integrity violations. In a letter addressed to Rose’s legal representative, he remarked that the initial intent of the rule—to safeguard the integrity of the game and discourage future misconduct—is nullified once an individual is deceased. “A person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game,” Manfred stated.

Background on the Bans

Pete Rose faced a lifetime ban in 1989 after an investigation revealed he had wagered on games, including those involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds. He had sought reinstatement multiple times throughout his life, with his final application submitted before his death at the age of 83 in 2024.

In contrast, Shoeless Joe Jackson was banned in 1921 due to his involvement in the infamous “Black Sox” scandal, where eight members of the Chicago White Sox were implicated in fixing the 1919 World Series. Despite maintaining his innocence and achieving an impressive .375 batting average during the series, Jackson was permanently barred from the sport.

Implications for Hall of Fame Eligibility

With their reinstatements, Rose and Jackson will be eligible for consideration by the Classic Baseball Era Committee, which will convene in December 2027 to vote on the Hall of Fame class for 2028. A requirement for induction is a 75% approval from a 16-member committee that includes Hall of Famers, historians, and media representatives.

Jane Forbes Clark, Chair of the Hall of Fame Board, confirmed that the league’s decision facilitates their candidacy, stating, “Anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.”

The Role of Political Influences

Speculations around the reinstatement also include potential influences from former President Donald Trump, a known supporter of Pete Rose. Trump had expressed intentions to posthumously pardon Rose and had a meeting with Manfred in April regarding the case. The details of this discussion remain undisclosed, leaving open questions about its impact on the recent decision.