I’m guessing that he stood out. 
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In addition to his baskeball prowess, DM was a great humanitarian. RIP.
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“Freedom’s just another word for nothing left to lose.”
RIP, Mr. Kristofferson.
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I was travelling down a rabbit hole on the internet recently when I came across a video clip of James Earl Jones in a role in the movie “Dr. Strangelove” – maybe his first feature film? – he was a crew member on the bomber over Russia, and he was flipping switches in response to the directions of Slim Pickens. Hard to miss that voice!
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Another sports figure. It is reported that Pete Rose has died.
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Seems true.
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RIP. One of the greatest players in MLB history. Sadly, he messed it all up.
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Growing up in Ohio, I vividly remember the “Big Red Machine” and “Charlie Hustle”. Great player idolized by so many kids! Very sad ending to a great athletic career.
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Sadly, he had several addictions. News says he lost $100M gambling. Yikes.
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A truly remarkable baseball player. Yes he had issues - on and off the field.
But today I just want to remember Charlie Hustle.
No one - and I mean no one - played as hard.
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Same, and I agree.
I haven’t yet read this book, but intend to:
Tony winning Broadway actor Gavin Creel has passed away at 48.
D, S and I all saw him in various productions.
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Am I the only one who is not a Pete Rose fan? He ruined Ray Fosse’s career. He was a narcissist. He bet on his team. Sure, he was a good baseball player. But he didn’t appear to be someone worthy of adoration. I’m sorry he passed away, but I’m not holding him up as the greatest.
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Personally I think it is true that no one ever played as hard as Rose did, he was an exciting and versatile player (only player to play 500+ games at each of five positions.) I can admire those things and not condone any of his other bad behaviors, or advocate for him to be in the HOF.
I also feel badly for Fosse, but bad things happen when catchers block the plate without the ball, and that’s why that’s not allowed anymore.
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But Rose took out Fosse in an all star game, that counted for nothing. Rose is praised for always playing all-out, but not being able to dial it back is not a positive quality. Not being able to dial it back causes things like road rage, etc.
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Pete committed the ultimate sin to the game. And that’s why his place is lost - and yes we’ve found out other things too.
But as noted in my first message - I want to remember him for the greatness , enthusiasm of what he did when he played.
He was amazingly talented at home plate - a .300 batting average and 200 hits were automatic. Year after year.
That’s rarely a thing nowadays.
I want to remember the amazing.
He had many demons - but let’s not go there today I say.
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No one would know his name today if not for Pete !! He’ll live forever.
Pete played EVERY game. There was no rest for an ‘exhibition’. And back in the day most took that game seriously. It meant something.
I showed mine video of him running to first base on a walk. That’s hustle.
Pete Rose (and Steve Garvey) were my two hustle heroes growing up with Tony Gwynn, the sweet swing later.
Pete lost it all - deservedly so - but his greatness on the field was in many ways unmatched.
All star games were competitive back in the day, unlike they are today. Regardless, I understand why people have a different opinion than I do.
That’s akin to saying nobody would know who Rosemary LaBianca is if not for Charles Manson. Lucky, Rosemary!
OK, that’s hyperbole, but you get the idea. Being famous for having something bad done to you is not a net positive in most instances. I wouldn’t care who Robin Ventura was if not for Nolan Ryan beating the crap out of him for charging the mound, but Ventura is the one who charged the mound. Don’t start none, won’t be none. Fosse was playing his position, and Rose took him out. I know someone who suffered lifelong issues because some hotdogger took her out at first base during a company softball game. Recklessness is not high on my list.
Anyway, to answer @kelsmom and her original question … no, I don’t hold Pete Rose in the highest regard.
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But doesn’t the MLB all star game today determine which league has home field advantage for the world series? That is definitely something to play for. In Rose’s day, there were playing literally for nothing but personal pride. Great that Rose hated losing, but as I said, he needed to dial it back and not destroy Ray Fosse. That’s what a 10-year old does, not a grown man. As @Youdon_tsay said, recklessness should not be admired.
Betting on his own team was the mortal sin he committed, sports-wise. He at least once left a pitcher in longer than usual in a game he had bet on, which made the pitcher unavailable for the next game, which he did NOT bet on.