Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83.
TMZ reported the news on September 30. Rose, often cited as one of the greatest hitters in Major League Baseball history, is the game’s all-time leader in hits (4,256). Throughout his career in baseball, Rose was voted to 17 All-Star Games, was a three-time World Series Champion, and also won the NL MVP in 1973.
Rose was known prominently for his tenure with the Cincinnati Reds, but also played for the Philadelphia Phillies and the then-Montreal Expos. Infamously, Rose is likely best known for being banned from baseball in 1989 due to accusations that he had been betting on games while he was a player-manager for the Reds from 1984-1989, a claim he would go on to admit was true in 2004. As a result, Rose has never been inducted in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Following his highly successful baseball career, Rose also dabbled in many other things, including the world of professional wrestling. Rose appeared at WrestleMania 14 and WrestleMania 15 for WWE, where he was given a Tombstone Piledriver by Kane both times.
He also appeared infrequently for WWE throughout the years, most recently in 2010 as a host for an episode of WWE RAW. Rose was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
WWE Comments On Pete Rose’s Passing
On their website, WWE commented on Pete Rose’s passing:
“WWE is saddened to learn that WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose has passed away.
An all-time great and baseball’s “Hit King,” Rose won three World Series championships, was a 17-time All-Star, and the 1973 National League MVP during his 23-year career with the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies and Montreal Expos.
In the WWE Universe, Rose is best known for his appearances on The Grandest Stage of Them All, WrestleMania. At the 14th edition in 1998, Rose appeared as the guest ring announcer for the match between Undertaker and Kane.
After Rose ran down the Boston crowd and their beloved Red Sox, Kane piledrived the baseball legend.Rose attempted to get payback on The Big Red Machine several times over the years but failed in memorable fashion each time.
In recognition of his unforgettable WrestleMania moments, Rose was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.WWE extends its condolences to Rose’s family, friends and fans.”
WrestleZone sends our condolences to Pete Rose’s family, friends, and fans.
