Does Pete Rose envision himself being a Hall of Famer? “Not in the moments when I’m…
At the Palladium at the Center for the Performing Arts in Carmel on Friday at 8 p.m., controversial baseball veteran Pete Rose will make an appearance for “4192, An Evening with Pete Rose Live!” You can purchase tickets via TheCenterPresents.org or by calling (317) 843-3800. Rose discussed his signature business in Las Vegas, his lifelong suspension from big league baseball due to gambling, and his feelings regarding the unlikely prospect of ever being admitted into the Baseball Hall of Fame during an interview with Clifton Brown of IndyStar Sports Writers.
There is a lot of video, and the theater provides a baseball stadium-like atmosphere. I’m interviewed and introduced on stage by a buddy of mine. I discuss everything. I engage the audience by answering their questions for around forty-five minutes. There’s a meet-and-greet first. It is going to be a great evening whether you are a baseball fan, a Pete Rose fan, or both. I add fun to the evening.
Since 2003, I have been employed in Las Vegas. It’s easy to understand why. The only place my gig works in the entire world is Las Vegas. What is my job? I visit Mandalay Place, a shopping center, or The Art of Music Memorabilia Store at the MGM mall, where I sign autographs for four and a half hours every day, twenty days a month. It wouldn’t function as effectively in any other metropolis on the planet. It pays really well. Every day I get to play a doubleheader, and I never manage to get an out. I can spend four and a half hours talking to parents, kids, and other adults there. I don’t mind around people, thus I have no issues. Every day really passes by quite quickly.
Not while I’m still living. I’m sorry to say that. A few years ago, I witnessed Ron Santo experience this; he would fail to enter while he was still living and then enter after his death. Furthermore, I disagree with the Hall of Fame voting process. You don’t seem to improve on the third, fourth, or fifth try. You either belong in the Hall of Fame or you don’t. I would like to speak with everyone who did not vote for Hank Aaron, Stan Musial, or Willie Mays to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. There has never been unanimity. How are you unable to support Henry Aaron in the Hall of Fame ballot? What did he lack? What did Willie Mays not have? How did Stan get there?
