I’m not a big sports fan. I said it and shocked as you may be it is true. Now I know long time readers may check the July posts and point out that I went crazy about the World Cup. Friends will point out that when possible I’m an avid (if not bad) golfer. And I do love to see the Giants football team win. Given all that, I really don’t follow sports much. When the above isn’t on I don’t miss it. But that doesn’t mean I’m unfamiliar with the greats of athletic history.
The point of what I’m speaking about is that several baseballs signed by Mr. Pete Rose are going on auction. Not a big deal as he sells autographed baseballs on his website for $80+ each. Except in this case these 30 baseballs say, “I’m sorry I bet on baseball.” Well it’s about time we see some remorse. And the whole thing brought back the desire of Mr. Rose to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
It’s good that this auction brings back what happened to mind. To many young kids are unaware of the scandal that lasted 15 years. Given enough time it’s possible that young players who are unfamiliar could cave and allow Mr. Rose back into baseball. I feel that would be horrendous. It is my firm belief that Mr. Rose should never be allowed into the Hall of Fame.
Why do I feel like this? It’s not so much because of the gambling. I’m not so blinded to the world to believe that Mr. Rose was the only player to bet on his own sport while being involved in it. He was the one to get caught though. Worse yet, rather than standing tall and admitting his guilt he lied to the public. Not a small lie, not a “how do you define ‘is’” kind of way. No it more like a “there are weapons of mass destruction” kind of way. Looking dead in our faces, seemingly ernest, demanding his innocence.
And for 15 years there were repeated attempts to get the ban removing Mr. Rose from anything to do with baseball lifted. In each attempt Mr. Rose reiterated his position. Then in a book, he cashed in on the truth and told us what we already knew. That is the reason. Because he lied, and tried to be rewarded for his lies. Because he thought that he could avoid punishment for his actions. Because he thought the truth was his personal tool to wield as he chose.
I feel strongly about personal responsibility. I feel doubly so about entertainers and celebrities that act poorly publicly. To me, the actions of Mr. Rose amount to a hustle, with the prize being the Hall of Fame and all it means. Perhaps I’d feel differently if in 1989 or even 1990 he apologized and told the truth. But that was not the case. There is a saying, “don’t do the crime if you can’t do the time” [know the quote? Hint it’s from a 70’s television show].
So when an auction comes up, with items like these available, I’m glad. Because kids get to ask why is it important and why did he write that. I don’t need to be a sports fan to appreciate that.
This is what I think, what do you think?
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