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Yes.
Yes, Pete Rose should be in Cooperstown. It's not called the "Moral Man Hall of Fame" or "Role Model Hall of Fame." It's called the Baseball Hall of Fame. If you play baseball, and play it unlike few have, you'll get a spot. If you set records that may never be touched, your chances improve even more.
That's what Pete did. Charlie Hustle hasn't been matched since.
Fact is, Cooperstown isn't full of angels. Ty Cobb was a racist. Babe Ruth loved the ladies. Mickey Mantle was an alcoholic. Ted Williams cussed like a sailor. Does that make them worse ballplayers? No. They're human, and certainly not these perfect, mythical figures they were built up to be. Again, same thing for Pete Rose.
Now, for the good of the game, I agree with one argument - Pete should not be allowed to be back in the game as a manager of any sort. Whether it's the independent leagues, or in the majors. Pete should be kept out to protect the integrity of the game. Get burned once from him gambling, and hey, learn your lesson.
As far as his legacy goes, Pete will be remembered forever by baseball fans. Does he need to be enshrined to be considered one of the all-time greats? No. Remember, when he was among the past players introduced at the All-Star game, he received the loudest applause. It's baseball and the hall of fame voters who look ridiculous here. Rose's body of work is there. He was a centerpiece of the Big Red Machine, one of baseball's greatest dynasties ever. And no one can argue with his numbers. They didn't come on HGH or steroids. It was with blood, sweat and guts. Pete needs to be in Cooperstown.

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