Indeed, Rose’s playing career alone qualifies him for the Hall of Fame. But that was also my thinking—after he served the punishment he knew was coming.
Although Rose’s autograph is hardly a rare commodity − besides hits, he’s undoubtedly also MLB’s all-time leader in autographs sold − hundreds of people lined up both days to pay prices starting at $59 to get him to sign baseballs, cards, seats from Crosley Field and Riverfront Stadium, and even that goofy photo of him and Tony Perez grinning while sitting in adjacent toilet stalls.
And to remember all the wonderful times, snap pictures with him, and have a little conversation.
Given that Rose will turn 83 in a few days and that his Big Red Machine teammates, reserve catcher Bill Plummer and ace pitcher Don Gullett, passed away recently, many claimed they didn’t want to pass up the opportunity to see the great from Cincinnati in person at least once more.
