Pete Rose, known as “Charlie Hustle,” was known as one of the greatest, and most controversial, Major League baseball players of all time.  Born on April 14, 1941, Pete grew up in Cincinnati, OH, where he was encouraged to participate in sports, especially by his father who had a large influence in his life.  Upon graduation, he soon was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an amateur free agent in 1960, and was assigned to the Geneva Redlegs of the New York-Penn League.
Best known for playing on the Cincinatti Reds (1963-78, 1984-86), Rose also played for two other teams: the Philadelphia Phillies (1973-83), and the Montreal Expos (1984).  During his 24 years as a baseball player, Rose received numerous awards and recognitions. In 1963, he was named National League’s Rookie of the Year.  Overall, he won three National League batting titles and set the major-league record for hits, 4,256. In 1975, he was named the World’s Series Most Valuable Player. In fact, Rose made three World Series appearances (twice with Cincinnati and once with the Phillies).
Known as one of the most controversial baseball playsers, Rose was accused of betting on baseball in 1989.  Even though he denied the charges, he was found to be guilty and banned from baseball for life.  15 years later, he later admitted that he had bet on baseball in his book, My Prison Without Bars.” In addition, Rose was charged with filing false income tax returns and sentenced with five months at the United States Penitentiary in Marion, Illinois.
Although banned from playing baseball, Pete Rose managed the Cincinnati Reds from 1985-1988.  His management days came to an end when he was suspended for 30 days due to an escalated feud with the umpire at one of his games.  Even though he is considered one of the most controversial Major League Baseball players, he is also remembered for his enthusiastic personality and his love of baseball.