FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Patrick Turturro
New York, NY 212-227-8080
May 8, 2015 - The American Sportscasters Association (ASA) has taken a national poll of its members regarding whether or not Pete Rose, who was recently hired by FOX as a studio analyst, should have his lifetime ban from baseball lifted, paving the way for his eligibility for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Lou Schwartz, President of the ASA, in making the poll public stated:
"Over 70% of the ASA members who took part in the voting feel that Rose should be considered for entry into the Baseball Hall of Fame, whether it be by lifting the ban or circumventing the ban. Some of the members who participated in the poll include Bud Collins, Tommy Hutton, Greg Lucas, Al McCoy, Gary McKillips, Joe Starkey, Michele Tafoya, Lesley Visser, Bill Walton, Larry Zimmer and NBC's Bob Costas."
Costas, in his comments, stated:
"I have long believed that Pete Rose should be on the Hall of Fame ballot, while still being banned from baseball in other capacities, other than the possible work as a commentator not employed by the team. He has paid a significant price, and will continue to do so, but the writers should be permitted to decide on his Hall of Fame worthiness."
New commissioner Rob Manfred has given Rose a glimmer of hope, saying he would be willing to meet with the 17-time All-Star to discuss his case, something his predecessors, Fay Vincent and Bud Selig, had refused to do.
Rose is the only player in the history of our National Pastime who has never been eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Even "Shoeless" Joe Jackson, who was banned from baseball in 1920 for his alleged participation in the "Black Sox" scandal, was eligible for election. He received two votes in the first Hall of Fame balloting in 1936 and another two votes in 1946.
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