Pete Rose, the MLB's all-time hits leader and a controversial figure banned for gambling, passed away at 83 from hypertension and cardiovascular disease, leaving a complex legacy in baseball.

The death of Pete Rose at 83 marks the end of a turbulent chapter in baseball history, characterized by his unprecedented achievement as the all-time hits leader against the backdrop of a lifetime ban due to gambling. Rose's immense contributions to the game, exemplified by a staggering 4,256 hits, are inextricably linked to his controversial decision to bet on baseball, sparking ongoing debates about the integrity of the sport and the potential for redemption. His passing not only closes the book on a legendary player but also reignites discussions about how the league, fans, and historians should reconcile his on-field accomplishments with the consequences of his actions off the field.

Pete Rose's death was confirmed as due to hypertension and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This was a culmination of ongoing health issues that plagued the former athlete in his later years. For several years preceding his death, Rose faced significant health challenges, including being on blood thinners and undergoing three heart procedures in just five years.

His health had become a topic of concern among his friends and former teammates. Notably, Hall of Famer Johnny Bench remarked on Rose's condition, expressing his worries after discussing it with other teammates. These discussions highlighted the physical decline Rose experienced, which he openly acknowledged in interviews, notably stating in 2018 that he was 'currently disabled and can barely walk or travel.'

In his last public appearance, Rose attended the Music City Sports Collectibles and Autograph Show in Nashville, Tennessee, where he was seen using a wheelchair. He reunited with former teammates.

Throughout his career, Pete Rose was not only known for his remarkable batting prowess but also for his aggressive playing style. This earned him nicknames such as "Charlie Hustle." Yet, it was his ban from baseball in 1989 for gambling on games while serving as manager that cast a long shadow over his career. Despite numerous attempts to redeem himself and gain reinstatement, Major League Baseball has thus far upheld the ban, preventing him from re-entering the sport in any official capacity.

The conversation surrounding Rose's legacy often navigates the fine line between his extraordinary accomplishments and the ethical implications of his actions. He retired with the most hits in MLB history—a record that still stands. However, his gambling scandal has led to heated discussions about the integrity of baseball and the rules governing player conduct.

Beyond the controversy, Rose's contributions to baseball were formally recognized when a bronze statue was unveiled outside the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. This honor celebrates not only his record-breaking achievements but also his deep ties to the city of Cincinnati, where he spent much of his playing career with the Cincinnati Reds. The statue serves as a permanent reminder of both his illustrious career and the complicated narrative of his life post-retirement.

As fans and analysts reflect on Pete Rose's life and career, the legacy he leaves behind is a subject of both admiration and scrutiny. Many remember the player who gave his all on the field, while others remain deeply affected by the repercussions of his lifestyle off the field. His passing invites further dialogue on how baseball should remember its past heroes while also upholding the fundamental values it seeks to maintain.