He can be considered five years after they let "Shoeless" Joe Jackson in. Jackson never did anything but play baseball and he was banned, for life.  Jackson was a better man and a better ball player then Rose could ever hope to be, and he never lied, either.
--Kathi, Virginia

Did Pete Rose hurt baseball? A decade after his (now-admitted) indiscretions, I'd say no. Far more problems are facing the game today, including over-priced, egocentric players, bullheaded owners, too many games chasing too few fans, and an expansion program that created too many mediocre teams.  Reinstate Pete Rose and get on with addressing these problems before the game is past saving.
--Roger Pyle, Georgetown, S.C.

At this point in time, Pete Rose would sell his mother as well as his soul to be elected into the Hall of Fame. The only reason he chose to be interviewed on television is to promote his book (to grease the way for re-application into baseball).  Great player he was. Bigger scoundrel he is.  Joe Jackson should be re-instated into baseball before Mr. Rose.
--Martin Steele, Austin

I think he should be allowed to be put on next year's ballot, but he should not be allowed to occupy any position associated with Major League Baseball. Anyone who has ever met this man knows that he is a low-life, plain and simple. If he couldn't play baseball he would have spent most of his life in prison. Children who follow major league athletes need to know that integrity and honesty count for something.
--Steve King, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Yes, Pete belongs in the Hall. His on-field play deserves to be honored. If he isn't allowed in, then when it's time, convicted felon George Steinbrenner should not be allowed in.
--Chuck Reeves, Babylon, N.Y.

It's a win-win situation for Rose. Everyone will rush out to buy his new book. The guy has lied for at least 14 years. Why make him a hero now? I'd say let him rot.
--Bob Earhart, Springfield, Mo.

He should be in the Hall of Fame! He should be inducted as soon as possible. Today's players do worse things -- such as drugs -- and get rehabbed and reinstated without anyone blinking an eye. Nobody in our modern age has ever played the game the way Rose did (I was lucky enough to see him play) and for that he should be given his rightful place in the sport. This betting thing doesn't matter at all. We are honoring the way he played the game not the way he spent his free time or his money.
--Gina Audio, Turnersville, N.J.

If Pete lied for 14 years about his "not gambling" on baseball, why would he not shave the truth now about just how he did do his gambling? As a manager, Pete could influence the overs/unders of a game by how he managed his pitching staff, batting line-up, or a game situation.  I don't believe he ever bet against his team, but his decisions probably influenced certain games one way or another score-wise to his benefit. Based on his 14 years of lying to the pubic, and the smearing of John Dowd (the real hero) in this matter, he should not be allowed in the Hall of Fame. 
--C.D. Wasson, Westlake Village, Calif.

An addiction is an addiction--take your pound of flesh to deter the vice--then give him a second chance.
--Jim Hibma, Pella, Iowa.

One reason he shouldn't be in the Hall of Fame; 4,256 reasons why he should. Put Pete in the Hall where he belongs!
--Peter Carroza, Oakville, Conn.

Difficult though it may be, sometimes the decision to hold someone accountable for their actions must be made. There is such a thing as right and wrong. You can't be a little pregnant. And Pete Rose can't be just a little guilty.  Admitting it or not doesn't change the fact he did it, consistently, and lied about it for years after. Being a victim, in this case of gambling addiction, doesn't lessen the offense. There is a message that must be communicated to the other players, and the youth of today. Is the message that if you do something very wrong, then lie about for years, but finally come clean, that all should be forgiven? Or is it that everyone, even famed sports heroes, must be held accountable for their actions?
--Scott Stratman, Phoenix

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

AL home run leader Quentin has broken wrist Cubs' Zambrano hopeful for quick return Trembley to return as Orioles manager in 2009 Angels rookie helps ump mess up call Shea seats selling briskly at $869 a pair Expert: Don't count out the Rockies in NL West Opinion: Why limit replays to home run calls? Vote: Should MLB use instant replay? At Bat: Mets' bullpen awaits acid test The Final Stretch: Race to baseball playoffs Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: