Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred made a groundbreaking announcement, revealing that Pete Rose, along with ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson and other deceased players, have been removed from MLB’s permanently ineligible list. This decision paves the way for Rose, the all-time hits leader, and Jackson, the legendary Chicago White Sox star, to be considered for the prestigious Hall of Fame.

Manfred’s ruling stated that banned individuals are no longer subject to punishment upon their death, emphasizing that they pose no threat to the game’s integrity. The news, initially reported by ESPN, marks a significant shift in MLB’s historical stance on banned players.

Rose accepted his ban in 1989 for betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, while Jackson and his White Sox teammates were banned for life in 1921 for their alleged involvement in fixing the 1919 World Series. The decision also impacts 16 other deceased players and one owner previously on the banned list.

With their reinstatement, Rose and Jackson now have the opportunity to be considered for the Hall of Fame by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027. This development has sparked debates on integrity and legacy within baseball, with supporters seeing it as a chance for redemption and celebration of their remarkable careers.

Despite controversies surrounding their past actions, Rose’s unmatched career achievements and Jackson’s exceptional batting average further fuel discussions on their place in baseball history. The future induction of these iconic players into Cooperstown lies in the hands of Hall of Fame voters, reviving conversations on the enduring impact of their legacies in America’s beloved pastime.