Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Back in the Hall of Fame Conversation

Baseball took a step toward rewriting its past Tuesday, as Major League Baseball reinstated both Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson posthumously, making them eligible for the Hall of Fame beginning in 2028.

The decision from Commissioner Rob Manfred lifts bans after death, impacting 17 previously barred individuals. Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, and Jackson, a .356 lifetime hitter, had been blacklisted due to gambling scandals. Now, with their eligibility restored, both legends could be enshrined through the Classic Baseball Era Committee in 2028.

The move has ignited debate but also opened the door to recognition for two of the game’s most polarizing figures. Rose’s legacy, long overshadowed by his betting as a player-manager, still boasts unparalleled statistics. Jackson, tied to the 1919 Black Sox scandal, remains one of the most iconic names in baseball lore.

With the precedent now set, the Hall of Fame landscape could be in for a major shakeup.