Particle.news

Download on the App Store

MLB Ends Lifetime Bans for Deceased Players, Reinstating Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson

Commissioner Rob Manfred’s ruling clears 17 individuals for Hall of Fame eligibility, with first votes expected in December 2027.

An emotional Cincinnati Reds hall of famer Pete Rose adjusts his cap as he takes the microphone during a pregame ceremony for the unveiling of Pete Rose's bronze statue.
Former Cincinnati Red Pete Rose's ban was lifted on Tuesday
Pete Rose as the Reds' manager in 1987.
Image

Overview

  • Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred announced that lifetime bans will expire upon a player’s death, reinstating Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson, and 15 others from the permanently ineligible list.
  • The decision allows these individuals to be considered for Hall of Fame induction under the Classic Baseball Era Committee, with the earliest enshrinement possible in summer 2028.
  • Pete Rose, MLB's all-time hits leader, was banned in 1989 for betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds; he passed away in September 2024.
  • Shoeless Joe Jackson and seven other members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, banned for their alleged involvement in fixing the World Series, are also eligible for Cooperstown consideration.
  • The ruling has reignited debates about integrity, redemption, and legacy in baseball, with some supporting the move while others criticize its impact on the sport’s ethical standards.