Reds HOFer Marty Brennaman
Rips Major League Baseball
Ticked Over Timing Of Rose Decision
Published
TMZSports.com
Longtime Reds announcer Marty Brennaman is delighted that Pete Rose is now eligible for the Hall of Fame. However, he expressed his frustration with Major League Baseball, stating that the decision should have been made years ago, in an exclusive interview with TMZ Sports.
Brennaman, who witnessed many of Rose’s iconic moments in a Cincinnati uniform, didn’t hold back during the interview. He mentioned that Rose had served a longer “jail time” than necessary and criticized the rushed timing of making him eligible for the Hall of Fame.
“And,” Brennaman added, “the fact they rushed to make him eligible within a matter of months to me was the wrong way to go about doing business.”
Rose was banned permanently in 1989 for betting on games during his time as Reds manager. Despite numerous petitions from him and his family over the years to lift the punishment, it was only recently lifted by Rob Manfred.
Brennaman expressed his wish that the decision had been made while Rose was still alive, despite being pleased that it’s finally resolved.
“I’m just trying to reconcile in my own mind why they waited as long as they did,” Brennaman shared in the interview.
Despite the delay, Brennaman believes Rose’s family and friends are likely overjoyed. However, the road to a plaque in Cooperstown may still be long, as the Hall of Fame announced that Rose won’t be eligible for enshrinement until 2027.