Pete Rose: I’d Vote for A-Rod to Make HOF

Yesterday, baseball’s all time hits leader was interviewed on Dan Patrick’s radio show. One of the topics covered, shockingly, was steroids. In particular, Rose was asked what he thought about Alex Rodriguez taking steroids and whether or not he should eventually get the call for the Hall. In typical weasel-like, Rosean fashion, his was response was one of contradiction and careful wording to get across the fact that he thinks that he should be in the Hall.

“When you take steroids you have a direct outcome of the game – that’s the integrity of the game. And when you can change records when you do something illegal, it’s just not right. … Baseball records are sacred. If you do something illegal to surpass those records, it’s just not good.”

He added that taking steroids is worse than betting on your own team, which was weird because why would anyone randomly bring up gambling during a conversation about steroids? Then he went on to say:

“Would I vote for A-Rod right now based on his record? Right now, I would.”

So we know that Pete Rose loathes steroids because it negatively impacts the integrity of the game. But we also know that he believes A-Rod, who took steroids and negatively impacted the integrity of the game, should be elected to the Hall. Finally, we know that Rose believes that steroids are worse than gambling, so if someone who does steroids gets in, someone who gambled on the game should be a shoe in.

My gut tells me that he is somewhat biased in that he believes everyone should have a second chance.

I personally believe that Rose should be in the Hall of Fame, but contradictory and nonsensical interviews like this aren’t exactly changing the perception of the guy.

Story here.

Dan Patrick radio show page here.