The cause of death for Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, has been revealed. According to a spokesperson for the Clark County, Nevada, office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner, Rose died on September 30 from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. This heart condition is a result of long-term high blood pressure that leads to increased plaque buildup and hardening of artery walls. Additionally, Rose had a significant condition of diabetes mellitus.
Rose passed away at his home in Las Vegas. Just one day prior to his death, he was seen in public at a Fiterman Sports Group meet-and-greet in Nashville where he participated in a photo-op with former teammates. Rose played in the major leagues from 1963 to 1986 and spent most of his career with the Cincinnati Reds before becoming their manager.
Known as MLB’s hits king, Rose was an All-Star 17 times and won two Gold Glove awards along with three World Series titles. The Cincinnati Reds released a statement extending their deepest condolences to his family, friends, and teammates while remembering him for his accomplishments and love for the game.
Despite his success on the field, Rose faced scandal when allegations arose that he had placed wagers on games while managing the Reds. In 1989, Commissioner Bart Giamatti banned him from baseball after conducting a full inquiry into these allegations. Giamatti expressed disappointment over Rose’s actions but emphasized holding him accountable.
Rose denied any wrongdoing for 15 years before admitting in a 2004 autobiography that he did bet on games but never against his team. He made multiple attempts to be reinstated into baseball but was unsuccessful and therefore never entered the MLB Hall of Fame.
In 2016, however, the Reds voted him into their team’s Hall of Fame and retired his jersey number (No.14). Today, there is even a statue honoring him outside Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
