Selig reportedly considering reinstating Pete Rose

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A report in the New York Daily News today indicates that baseball Commissioner Bud Selig is considering reinstating Pete Rose, the sport’s all-time hits leader who was banned from baseball for gambling on games.

According to the story, there are some pretty well-placed backers of Rose, including Henry Aaron, who told a group of reporters that he believes Rose belongs in the Hall. Two of Rose’s former teammates -- Joe Morgan and Frank Robinson, both of whom are on the Hall of Fame’s board or directors -- also favor reinstatement, the story said.

Were Selig to lift the lifetime ban implemented 20 years ago,Rose’s path to the Hall would have to come from the veterans committee, the living members in the Hall. He’d need 75% of the 65 members to qualify.

Hard to tell right now how that vote would go. Some consider Rose’s betting and his actions afterward unforgivable. Others believe the ban should remain. My inclination is that it’s probably time to lift it and allow the vote to take place.