MLB Commissioner's Ruling Paves Way for Pete Rose to Join Albert Pujols in HOF Class of '28
The long-awaited day has finally arrived, as Major League Baseball (MLB) commissioner Rob Manfred announced a groundbreaking decision that will allow two of baseball's greatest legends to join the hallowed halls of Cooperstown. As of today, Pete Rose and Eddie Cicotte, both members of the infamous Black Sox, have been removed from MLB's permanently ineligible list, paving the way for their induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rose, widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history, had been a polarizing figure since his betting scandal in 1985. However, with Cicotte's removal from the list, Rose's path to Cooperstown has become clearer. The Reds organization has already expressed its gratitude for the decision, stating that Rose is "one of the greatest players in baseball history" and promising to continue celebrating him as they always have.
Cicotte, who was also a member of the Black Sox scandal, had been ineligible for Hall of Fame consideration due to his involvement in the infamous fix. However, with his removal from the list, he is now eligible for induction alongside Rose and other members of the Black Sox team that included Eddie Cicotte, Happy Felsch, Chick Gandil, Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, Buck Weaver, and Lefty Williams.
Another player who has gained significant momentum in his Hall of Fame quest is Albert Pujols. A three-time MVP and the dominant offensive force of this generation, Pujols retired with career totals that put him alongside Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron. With the induction of Rose and Cicotte, Pujols is now just one step away from becoming the first player to be unanimously elected to the Hall of Fame.
Pujols' impressive resume includes a record-breaking 703 home runs, 3,384 hits, and 2,218 RBIs. He has also been recognized for his defensive prowess, earning nine Rawlings Gold Glove Awards during his career. With the support of peers and Hall of Famers alike, including Johnny Bench, Pujols is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in baseball history.
Molina's Candidacy More Nuanced
While Pujols' candidacy has been largely driven by his impressive career statistics, Molina's case for induction is more nuanced. A 10-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion, Molina's defensive prowess behind the plate earned him nine Rawlings Gold Glove Awards. However, his Hall of Fame candidacy has also faced criticism due to concerns about his role in the Cardinals' success during their dominant run from 2011-2013.
Despite these concerns, peers and Hall of Famers alike have championed Molina's place in Cooperstown, praising his defensive skills and leadership on the field. With the induction of Rose and Cicotte, Molina is now one step closer to achieving his goal of becoming a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Chris Correa Still Eligible
In contrast to Rose and Cicotte, former Cardinals executive Chris Correa remains on MLB's permanently ineligible list. Following his role in the hacking scandal that engulfed the Cardinals and Houston Astros almost a decade ago, Correa was placed on the list for not cooperating with MLB's investigation.
The decision does not apply to individuals who are still active or have cooperated with MLB's investigation. With Rose and Cicotte now eligible for induction, fans can finally look forward to seeing these two baseball legends take their rightful place in Cooperstown.