A Nevada coroner has revealed the cause of death of baseball legend Pete Rose, while a former teammate noticed troubling signs in Rose’s final moments.
Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, and a Cincinnati Reds icon, reportedly died from complications related to heart disease.
Pete Rose at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on August 7, 2022 | Source: Getty Images
Melanie Rouse, the Clark County coroner in Nevada confirmed that Rose passed away due to hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Rouse noted that Rose’s condition is common, affecting many people over the age of 45.
The disease causes blood vessels to harden, making the heart work harder, and typically worsens with age. Before the coroner’s report was shared publicly, Rose had previously been open about his health struggles.
Pete Rose at a news conference in Las Vegas on December 15, 2015 | Source: Getty Images
Court filings from his 2018 divorce case revealed that he had undergone three heart procedures in five years and was dealing with mobility issues. Despite these challenges, Rose stayed active, continuing to travel for autograph signings and memorabilia events.
Pete Rose at the world premiere of “Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose” in Los Angeles on July 10, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
One of his last public appearances was on September 29 at the Music City Autograph Show in Nashville with his former Cincinnati Reds group, including Rose’s closest former teammate, Tony Pérez.
Pete Rose and Tony Pérez share a fist bump at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, on June 25, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
At the Nashville event, Rose was photographed in a wheelchair alongside Perez and their peers, Dave Concepción, Ken Griffey Sr., and George Foster. Perez noticed that his pal seemed less energetic than usual and didn’t engage in their typical playful interactions—a clear shift from their previous gatherings.
The day after the Nashville event, a family member reportedly found Rose dead. He was 83. The Clark County medical examiner confirmed his death and authorities who began an investigation stated there were no signs of foul play.
The coroner’s office performed an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death, but details remained scarce at the time. Ryan Fiterman, who represented Rose, requested that the family’s privacy be respected as they grieved.
As his passing made worldwide headlines, various teams and baseball figures poured in tributes. The Philadelphia Phillies shared their grief on social media, stating, “The Phillies are saddened to learn of Pete Rose’s passing. He will always be remembered for his grit and hustle, and for playing an integral role in bringing the team its first World Series championship.”
The Cincinnati Reds, Rose’s hometown team, also issued a statement, with Reds Principal Owner Bob Castellini commenting, “Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete’s passing. He was one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen, and every team he played for was better because of him.”
Additionally, Major League Baseball expressed its sympathies on social media, offering condolences to Rose’s loved ones, his colleagues in baseball, and the fans who appreciated his remarkable skills, resilience, and unwavering resolve during his playing career.
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum also released a statement. They remembered Rose as Major League Baseball’s all-time leader in hits and games played. Additionally, they highlighted his impressive achievements, including three batting titles and 17 All-Star Game selections.
Other tributes, such as one from the MLFootball account, acknowledged Rose’s death alongside the passing of another sports legend, Dikembe Mutombo. “Today was a very sad day: The sports world lost two absolute icons in Pete Rose and Dikembe Mutombo. Both of them had legendary careers & did so much off the field philanthropically🙏🕊️,” they posted.
The outpouring of grief extended far beyond the baseball community, as fans from all walks of life also shared their thoughts. Many shared tributes online, with one fan calling Rose their “favorite baseball player of all time,” while another recalled the joy of watching him play during his career.
Rose’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame was a sore point for many online users, who took the opportunity to express their frustration. One fan commented, “They really let Pete Rose pass before putting that man in the Hall of Fame 😔.“
A devoted fan expressed gratitude for Rose’s effort on the field, lamenting his exclusion from the Hall of Fame but affirming that, in their hearts, Rose is already a member.
Some called for immediate action from the league. One fan demanded, “MLB Call A Press Conference and Put Him in The Hall Immediately [sic]!”
As the sports world processed this loss, attention naturally turned to Rose’s remarkable career. Born on April 14, 1941, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Rose was a force in baseball from the start.
He began playing youth baseball at age eight and was signed by the Cincinnati Reds by 18. He made his Major League debut in 1963 and quickly became one of the most celebrated players of his generation.
Known for his competitive spirit, he earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle” and went on to break numerous records, including the all-time hits record, finishing his career with 4,256 hits.
Moreover, Rose was an integral part of the iconic “Big Red Machine” teams of the 1970s, propelling the Cincinnati Reds to numerous victories, including two World Series championships. He also contributed to the Philadelphia Phillies’ success in the 1980 World Series.
However, Rose’s career was not without controversy. In 1989, he was banned from Major League Baseball for life after an investigation revealed that he had gambled on baseball games, including his own team’s.
Pete Rose holding an impromptu press conference in the dugout on March 1989 while under investigation for alleged gambling | Source: Getty Images
Rose denied the accusations for years but eventually admitted in 2004 that he had bet on games, though he insisted he never bet against his own team. The ban kept him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame, leading fans to clamor for his induction.
For years, he had expressed frustration at being denied induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame due to his lifetime ban from the sport for gambling. In a past interview with The Cincinnati Enquirer, Rose reflected, “Wouldn’t that be horrible if I died next week and then next year they reinstated me?”
Regardless of controversies, Rose’s contributions to the sport are undeniable. His work ethic and love for the game earned him a place in baseball history that few can challenge. Furthermore, his relentless pursuit of excellence on the field is a legacy that will be remembered long after his passing.