It’s been a whirlwind week for the Cincinnati Reds. As the team, fans in and beyond Cincinnati mourn the death of Pete Rose. Whose life left a significant influence on the Reds and baseball.

This is a week full of several endings. From the end of the Reds 2024 season last Sunday. To Pete Rose’s death at the age of 83 a day later. The Reds are also concluding their managerial search. Hiring two-time world champion manager and former Reds player Terry Francona.

Rose’s death connects to the other Reds related news of this week. His life spanned through most of the Reds existence. Rose was Francona’s manager during his one season playing for Cincinnati in 1987. Rose’s time as player/manager helped set the stage for the Reds 1990 World Series championship. The Reds are hopeful Francona will lead the Reds to their next championship.

There are many ways to reflect on Pete Rose’s life. Many have noted that it was a complicated life. Like all of us, Rose’s life was full of ups and downs. The highs include being part of the Big Red Machine era Reds teams that dominated the 1970’s. Along with being Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in hits.

The lows include being banned from baseball for betting on games. Along with a brief stint in jail and facing a sexual assault allegation. Many of the highs and lows played out in the public eye. Rose’s death marks the end of an era for the Reds. His death also marks the end of an era for baseball generally.

The Reds and MLB’s historical roots stretch back 155 years. Meaning Rose lived through more than half of the franchise’s and league’s history. Rose was born on April 14, 1941. The Reds were defending their 1940 World Series championship when Rose was born. He joined the Reds organization in the early 1960’s.

Rose made his MLB debut with the Reds in 1963. Two years after they won the National League pennant. Rose won National League Rookie of the Year honors. As the 1960’s progressed, the Reds continued to add to their roster. Bringing on players that would be key contributors to the Big Red Machine years. 

Tony Perez debuted with the Reds in 1964. Lee May debuted with the Reds in 1965, Johnny Bench debuted in 1967. These debuts bridged two generations of Reds baseball together. Debuting with players that helped the Reds contend in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Joining a roster that featured Frank Robinson, Vada Pinson, Jim Maloney and Joe Nuxhall.

The Reds managed to be contenders throughout the 1960’s. If MLB’s current postseason were in place in that decade. The Reds would’ve had a few more postseason appearances in the 60’s. Yet, that was a time when the World Series was the only postseason round. That changed in 1969 when the League Championship Series debuted.

1970 marked the start of several new eras for the Reds. The team moved from Crosley Field to Riverfront Stadium. While Sparky Anderson began his tenure as the Reds manager. This was the first season where the Big Red Machine churned out significant results. Through winning the National League pennant. As the 70’s continued, the Reds made more additions. Making the trade in late 1971 that brought Joe Morgan, Cesar Geronimo, Ed Armbrister, Jack Billingham and Denis Menke to Cincinnati. 

This trade catapulted the Reds into more consistent success throughout the 70’s. Advancing to the 1972 World Series and 1973 NLCS. Then winning the 1975 and 1976 World Series. In 1978, Rose had a modern National League record 44 game hitting streak. In 1979, Rose joined the Philadelphia Phillies, helping guide Philadelphia to their 1980 world championship.

After spending part of 1984 with the Montreal Expos. Rose rejoined the Reds as a player/manager. A role that is practically extinct in baseball today. Bringing Rose back to his hometown as he closed in on MLB’s hits record. Ultimately surpassing Ty Cobb for the record in September 1985. 

Rose retired from playing in 1986, that was the only season where Rose played less than 100 games. He stayed on as manager until he was banned from baseball. During those final years of Rose’s stint as a manager. The Reds contended in the NL West but consistently finished second in the division. After being banned from baseball, Rose maintained an active presence with the Reds. Giving advice to players and appearing at team functions. Ultimately being inducted into the Reds Hall of Fame and having his jersey number retired.

Consistency and drive were two hallmarks of Rose’s playing and managerial career. It’s practically impossible to have a 20+ year playing career without that. Fans and the Reds organization are hopeful heading into the future. That the team can echo Rose’s consistency and drive. On the field and in the front office.

When measuring Pete Rose’s life, it’s fascinating to see how things changed throughout his life. He was born a few months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Unbeknownst to me before this week, Rose was a U S. Army reservist during the Vietnam War. Rose died at a time when sports gambling is legal in several states. Prompting leagues to reexamine its relationship with sportsbooks and casinos. This likely won’t mean Rose will be posthumously inducted into Cooperstown. However, his accomplishments on the field aren’t diminished by being banned from baseball.