Keep this bastard out of the Hall
Never let it be said that I don't admit it when I'm wrong.
For nearly 15 years, I've been probably the staunchest defender of one Peter Edward Rose, the greatest hitter of the modern baseball era.
Rose, as you all know, has been banned from baseball for that long because of accusations that he bet, not only on baseball, but on his own team - Taboos Number One and Two of the Great Game, so verboten that they're actually posted in or near every major-league clubhouse.
His accusers were, shall we say, fucknozzles of extremely questionable character - bookies and other such scum. And I've publicly questioned their accusations that Rose bet on baseball while maintaining that Rose belonged in the Hall of Fame.
"Let's get these bastards in a court of law and their hands on a Bible", I'd rant. "Let's get these sons-of-bitches under oath and then see what they have to say", I'd rave.
And that has been my position on whether Rose belonged in the Hall.
Until today.
For today, Peter Edward Rose has admitted that - yes, Virginia - he did bet on baseball, though not on his own team.
The former slugger says in his soon-to-be-released autobiography that he hopes the acknowledgment will help end his ban from baseball, which could lead to his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Not as far as I'm concerned, he shouldn't be. He not only gambled on baseball in clear violation of the rules, he lied about it for nearly 15 years. Such an asshole deserves never to be associated with the Great Game ever again.
Former baseball commissioner Fay Vincent said Sunday: "I think John Dowd is owed a big apology by Rose.
"John is the hero. He did a great job. Now Rose admits John was correct," Vincent said.
John Dowd is owed a big apology from me, too. And I offer it now.
Mr. Dowd, I apologize for doubting your word. I now acknowledge that you were right - Rose bet on baseball, and does not deserve admittance to the Hall.