RIP Charlie Hustle

Not likely, but perhaps by the Grace of God...

Life Is Not Fair

Sad would be my mood at hearing this morning of the passing of Pete Rose. One of the greatest baseball players of all time, and a larger than life itself figure, has gone on to his reward at age 83.

I grew up rooting for the Cincy Reds until "the greats" of the day went on to other teams and ultimately retirement. Not much of a baseball fan and yet in the 1970s they were thee team to beat and every kid knew it!

In 1975 and 1976 they won it all with Pete on the team. However, it was not until Rose was playing in yet another World Series game with Philadelphia that his nickname (given to him by Mickey Mantle) registered with me at the gut level.

In what some say is a controversial play, Pete playing first base, rushes over near home plate as the catcher comes out from behind the plate to catch a pop foul ball.

I said out loud, "What are you doing Pete?"

Yes, honest, as I watched the game live. Only because Pete was playing. But then it happened. The ball bounced out of the catcher's glove into Pete's outstretched glove. Charlie Hustle! Wow.

He belongs in the Hall of Fame. No, he was not a saint. That is NOT the reason the Hall exists. It was designed to highlight the best players that have ever charged the field of battle—those, like Pete Rose.

Rest In Peace.

You earned it.