MLB Reinstates Pete Rose After Commissioner Rob Manfred Gets Pressure From Trump

Major League Baseball has reinstated Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and several other players who were previously on the league’s permanently ineligible list on Tuesday.

The decision clears the way for Rose, who died in September, to possibly make the Hall of Fame. MLB commissioner Rob Manfred ruled that the punishment of banned individuals ends upon their death.

“A person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game,” Manfred said in an official statement. “Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve.”

Both Rose and Jackson were placed on the league’s permanently ineligible list due to their connections with gambling.

Rose was betting on games while the manager of the Cincinnati Reds, including games involving the Reds. Jackson was a member of the 1919 Chicago White Sox team accused of losing the 1919 World Series on purpose.

Jackson denied ever gambling on the World Series.

President Donald Trump has been a strong advocate for Rose to be reinstated into baseball. Earlier this year, Trump said he would sign a complete pardon for Rose.

Manfred said he had spoken to Trump about Rose’s status.

The full list of players who were removed Tuesday from the permanently ineligible list also includes Eddie Cicotte, Happy Felsch, Chick Gandil, Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, Buck Weaver, Lefty Williams, Joe Gedeon, Gene Paulette, Benny Kauff, Lee Magee, Phil Douglas, Cozy Dolan, Jimmy O’Connell and William Cox.

Both Rose and Jackson are considered all-time greats. With this decision, it’s likely they both qualify for the Hall of Fame.