Reds retire Pete Rose’s No. 14, following a successful weekend for the hits king…
Cincinnati (Associated Press)— On Sunday, the Reds formally retired Pete Rose’s No. 14, capping a busy weekend for baseball’s hits king that was a success for the franchise aside from on the field.
Large crowds crowded Great American Ball Park for the three-day celebration, which was permitted by Major League Baseball due to Rose’s lifelong ban from betting on his team. For much of the season, the last-place Reds have played in front of small crowds.
They extended the celebration over the weekend, celebrating the 1976 World Series champions on Friday night and inducting him into the Hall of Fame on Saturday. They saved the number retirement until the last game of a series versus the San Diego Padres.
“It confirms what I’ve been saying for many, many years and will continue to say: Cincinnati is the baseball capital of the world,” Rose addressed the audience from a stage near second base.
The only notable omission was Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan, who was unable to attend the ceremony due to health issues. Morgan has not played on the field at Great American Ball Park since the All-Star Game in July, when he needed a cane to walk due to knee surgery. Complications prevented him from visiting Cincinnati this weekend.
