Aaron Boone opens up on emotional push for Pete Rose Hall of Fame return

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 14, 2025, 16:56 IST

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Aaron Boone's own personal connection with Pete Rose makes it all the more necessary that the ban is removed. As demands for Pete Rose to be in Cooperstown become more insistent, Boone's support for the legend is no less unshakeable. It's not about baseball with him; it's about demonstrating respect for a man whose legacy on the game and his family's life has lasted. With the prohibition lifted, Pete Rose was finally able to receive his spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Aaron Boone opens up on emotional push for Pete Rose Hall of Fame return (Image Source: Getty Images)

When MLB commissioner Rob Manfred removed Pete Rose's lifetime suspension, it was not just a significant day for baseball. Yankees manager Aaron Boone made it personal. Having grown up in the neighborhood with Rose, Aaron Boone had a personal link to baseball icon Rose, courtesy of his dad, Bob Boone, having played with Rose for the Phillies. With Pete Rose's suspension lifted, his Hall of Fame candidacy is back in the spotlight.

Boone family’s close ties to Pete Rose

Aaron Boone's respect for Pete Rose extends beyond his position as a manager. His father, Bob Boone, played alongside Rose on the Philadelphia Phillies. This made the Boone and Rose families develop a close relationship.

Aaron Boone was raised with Pete Rose, learning from the legend not only as a player but as a family friend. For Aaron Boone, this was not a matter of baseball; it was a matter of honoring a man who had entered their lives.

"I think it's a good thing," Aaron Boone replied when the word came in regarding the lifting of the ban. "Obviously, I have a long history with Pete and the family. I even talked to Junior today. Hopefully, this is a good thing for baseball and his family. At the end of the day, I always feel like the Hall of Fame’s a museum. I’ve always felt like he should be in there, while understanding the ban from baseball. It’s my era, my love of the game, and because I’ve had a close relationship with that family, I’m happy about it"

Aaron Boone backs Pete Rose’s Hall of Fame induction

Aaron Boone has been arguing for years that Pete Rose should be in the Hall of Fame, even after the historic betting scandal that resulted in his suspension in 1989. To Aaron Boone, the Hall of Fame is not about erasing baseball history, and Rose's influence on the sport cannot be denied. "He should have been in there. His impact on the game is undeniable," Boone said. "With the Hall of Fame, it’s always felt simple to me."The removal of the ban on Pete Rose qualifies him for consideration to the Hall of Fame, and Boone feels has been long overdue. While expressing respect for how serious the scandal was, Boone is adamant that the Hall of Fame should stand for the people who helped shape the game, all warts and all.Also Read: “He’ll Ascend Real Quick”- Aaron Boone Maintains A Firm Stand And Defends Devin Williams Despite Struggles

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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