"If he's not in...": Terry Francona challenges MLB, backing Pete Rose's long-overdue Hall of Fame induction

The legacy of Pete Rose remains one of the most emotionally charged and complicated stories in Major League Baseball. A man who holds the all-time hits record, played with unmatched intensity, and shaped the game over two decades, Rose has spent more than 30 years locked out of Cooperstown. Yet, the conversation surrounding his eligibility refuses to fade—and now, a major figure in the baseball world has added fuel to the fire.

Terry Francona sparks Hall of Fame storm with blunt support for Pete Rose’s legacy

Terry Francona, the recently retired and widely respected manager of the Cincinnati Reds, has stepped into the debate with words that hit home. “I know I oversimplify things, but what Pete did as a player—if he’s not in, there is no Hall of Fame,” Francona told ESPN. “But I get it. There are some things that … I’m glad I don’t have to make those decisions.”

"Rob Manfred does not put you in the Hall of Fame. The baseball writers put you in the Hall of Fame ... (they) are guardians of the game. They take violations very seriously."

Tony Kornheiser doesn't expect Pete Rose to make the HOF, even after MLB made him eligible today: pic.twitter.com/XkwNokfzNV

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 13, 2025

What makes Francona’s words resonate even more is the fact that he isn’t just another voice in the crowd. He shared a dugout with Rose in 1984 when both played for the Montreal Expos. That connection deepened in 1987, when Francona joined the Reds, managed by none other than Rose himself. This isn’t just professional respect; it’s personal. Francona witnessed firsthand the passion, leadership, and influence that defined Rose's playing days.

Rose’s permanent ban from baseball in 1989 stemmed from betting on games—including those involving his own team. The decision led to his ineligibility for Hall of Fame consideration after the Hall amended its rules in 1991. It has remained a barrier ever since, casting a long shadow over one of the game’s most prolific careers.

But that shadow shifted last fall. In a move few expected, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred lifted the bans of 17 deceased individuals—Rose included. This monumental decision revived hope for Rose, as his case can now be evaluated by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027. To earn induction, Rose will need support from 12 of the 16 members. If not, the next opportunity won’t come until 2030.

Francona’s endorsement could sway key voices. He’s someone the baseball world listens to—not just because of his managerial success, but because of the integrity and wisdom he brings to every conversation about the game’s past and future.

Pete Rose’s case isn’t just about numbers. It’s about legacy, redemption, and the question of whether a person’s worst mistake should overshadow a lifetime of greatness. Francona’s heartfelt stance reminds us that Cooperstown is not just a museum of perfection—it’s a chronicle of baseball’s most impactful figures.

In near future, the game must ask itself: Can it truly tell its full story without Pete Rose in the Hall?

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