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Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time hits leader and one of its most divisive figures, passed away on September 30 in Clark County, Nevada, at the age of 83.

Rose, often called "Charlie Hustle" for his all-out style of play, dazzled fans throughout a career that saw him win two World Series titles with the Cincinnati Reds and break the MLB record for career hits. However, his remarkable career was overshadowed by controversy when it was revealed that he had gambled on games while managing the Reds, including betting on his own team. This revelation led to his permanent banishment from the sport in 1989 and barred him from induction into the Hall of Fame.

Born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rose embodied the city's blue-collar spirit, becoming a local hero as he helped lead the "Big Red Machine" to back-to-back World Series championships in the 1970s. His unmatched work ethic and fiery competitiveness made him a fan favourite and one of the game's greatest players. Rose's all-time hits record of 4,256 remains an enduring milestone, a testament to his longevity and consistent excellence on the field.

However, his fall from grace was swift and unforgiving. The news of his gambling on the Reds, where he both played and managed, shocked the sports world and brought an end to his association with professional baseball. Despite years of appeals, attempts to be reinstated, and widespread debate about his place in the game, Rose's exclusion from the Hall of Fame remains a point of contention.

His legacy is a complex one, divided between admiration for his achievements on the field and condemnation for his actions off it. For some, he will forever be remembered as a baseball legend who played the game with unparalleled passion and determination. For others, his reputation is irreparably damaged by his actions, and the ban will always be a part of his legacy. Either way, Pete Rose left an indelible mark on the sport he loved.

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