Jun 1979; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Pete Rose of the Philadelphia Phillies during the 1979 season at Riverfront Stadium prior to his game against the Cincinnati Reds. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports copyright (c) Malcolm Emmons. Malcolm Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
Both the Phillies and Mike Schmidt released statements in support of commissioner Rob Manfred's decision to remove Pete Rose posthumously from MLB's permanently ineligible list Tuesday.
In a press release, the Phillies said the following of Manfred's decision, which could pave the way for Rose to get into the Hall of Fame:
"The Phillies support today’s decision by Commissioner Manfred and Major League Baseball to remove Pete Rose from the permanently ineligible list.
"As one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Pete made significant on-field contributions to the Phillies over his five seasons (1979-83) with the club, highlighted by our first World Series title in 1980."
The Phillies issued the following statement today regarding Pete Rose. pic.twitter.com/nv3Rr6J3t8
The release also included a statement from franchise icon Mike Schmidt, who was teammates with Rose from 1979-1983:
“It’s a great day for baseball as Commissioner Manfred has reinstated Pete Rose, making him eligible for the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The ongoing question of whether Pete Rose should or shouldn’t be in the Hall will be answered by a select panel in the next Classic Baseball Era Committee.
“Congratulations to Pete’s family, his teammates, as well as his supporters who have waited many years for this opportunity for consideration.”
Additionally, the following statement is being sent on behalf of Mike Schmidt. pic.twitter.com/0FTXVs08D3
Schmidt alluded to the Classic Baseball Era Committee, which it appears will be tasked with deciding whether Rose ultimately gets into the Hall of Fame or not. That committee just elected Dick Allen this past December, and isn't scheduled to meet again until December of 2027. Rose will need to get at least 12 votes from the 16-member panel to be elected, and then he would be posthumously inducted in the Summer of 2028.