Pete Rose remains open to commissioner’s decision

CINCINNATI – Hits king Pete Rose said he’s “open to almost anything” that Commissioner Rob Manfred might have in mind when they discuss his lifetime ban for betting on baseball.

The former Cincinnati Reds player and manager hopes that he can informally meet Manfred, who took over for Bud Selig in January, when the two are in town next week for the All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park. Rose said they’ll meet again at some point later on to discuss his longstanding application for reinstatement.

Rose, who is an analyst for Fox Sports, said on a conference call Thursday that he’s elated to have a chance to plead his case with Manfred.

“When you’re in my situation, you’re open to almost anything,” Rose said. “I’m just happy he’s going to review my status, and we’ll go from there.”

Rose was banned in 1989, four years after he set baseball’s hits record. After denying for years that he bet on baseball, he acknowledged doing so in his most recent autobiography in 2004. The 74-year-old Rose isn’t eligible to be elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame.

Former Commissioner Bud Selig didn’t act upon Rose’s petition for reinstatement before retiring in January. Rose said he’s uncertain what to expect from the new commissioner.

“I don’t know if I have a better chance or not,” he said. “When you say better chance – just having him review my status, I’m happy with. I’m looking forward to sitting down one-on-one with Mr. Manfred and discussing the situation, I really am.”

Manfred has given Rose permission to go on the field before the All-Star Game on Tuesday to be honored as part of Major League Baseball’s Franchise Four promotion.

Rose was chosen along with Reds Hall of Famers Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan and Barry Larkin. He’s unsure what’s involved in the on-field ceremonies.

“Baseball has not told me as of yet,” Rose said. “Just to be able to come out from behind home plate onto the field will be a big honor for me.”

Rose attends several Reds games in his hometown each season, sitting in the seats. He’s gone on the field at Great American one time, wearing a No. 14 Rose jersey as he stomped on first base on Sept. 11, 2010, the 25th anniversary of his record-setting hit No. 4,192. Selig gave permission for that on-field appearance.

Rose is part of Fox’s broadcasting team for the All-Star Game. It’ll be the first All-Star game he’s attended since his lifetime ban.

The All-Star Game also has become more about trying to get as many players onto the field as possible, something that Rose thinks detracts from the competitive nature of the game.

He noted that Carl Yastrzemski batted six times during the 1970 game, getting four hits. Now, there are frequent substitutions with the expanded rosters, limiting players to a few innings.