In a historic move on May 13, 2025, Major League Baseball (MLB) Commissioner Rob Manfred announced the posthumous removal of Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson from the league’s permanently ineligible list. This decision paves the way for both players to be considered for induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Commissioner Manfred stated that lifetime bans should conclude upon a person’s death, as deceased individuals no longer pose a threat to the game’s integrity. This policy change also affects 16 other deceased players and one owner who were previously banned.
Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits, was banned in 1989 for betting on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. He passed away in September 2024 at the age of 83.
“Shoeless” Joe Jackson, who held a .356 career batting average—the fourth-highest in MLB history—was banned in 1921 for his alleged involvement in the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Jackson died in 1951.
With their reinstatement, both Rose and Jackson become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration. Their cases will be reviewed by the Classic Baseball Era Committee in December 2027, with potential induction in the summer of 2028.
The decision has sparked debate within the baseball community. Advocates view it as a long-overdue acknowledgment of the players’ on-field achievements, while critics argue it may undermine the importance of maintaining the sport’s integrity.
This development marks a significant shift in MLB’s approach to historical disciplinary actions, reopening discussions about redemption and legacy in America’s pastime.
