But baseball's ironman not sure hits leader should be allowed back in game.
By Associated Press
Published May 18, 2003
DENVER - Cal Ripken believes Pete Rose should be allowed in the Hall of Fame, but he's not sure if it would be a good idea to let the all-time hits leader back in baseball.
Ripken, in Denver on a speaking tour, said Saturday that Rose's reinstatement and his entrance into the Hall of Fame are separate issues.
"The first one is really easy. He should be in the Hall of Fame," said Ripken, who also threw out the first pitch before the Rockies' game against the Expos. "His career should be celebrated in the Hall of Fame. He has the most hits."
Commissioner Bud Selig is weighing whether to reinstate Rose, who accepted a permanent ban in August 1989 and spent time in prison for failing to pay federal taxes. He acknowledged gambling with bookmakers, but denied betting on baseball.
Because of Rose's actions, Ripken is not convinced that he should be allowed back in baseball.
"I know that gambling almost killed baseball many years ago," Ripken said. "To actually examine that issue and say whether he should be involved in baseball or associated with baseball, I don't know. I think you have to go to a smarter person than I to actually decide that."
Ripken became baseball's ironman after shattering Lou Gehrig's record for consecutive games played with 2,632. He is one of only seven players with more than 3,000 hits and 400 homers. He played 21 seasons with the Orioles, leaving as the team's leader in most offensive categories.
Since his retirement after the 2001 season, Ripken has become a part owner of a minor-league team, been involved with a youth league that bears his name and recently started a speaking tour.
"Life's pretty good. I had 21 years, a big window to play the game," Ripken said. "I faced many challenges within the white lines. I think I've had my fill of those. Now, in a lot of ways, I'm like a rookie all over again."
Ripken has enjoyed life after the Orioles, but they sure have missed him. Baltimore went 67-95 last season and started 18-23 this year.
"I haven't paid real close attention to the Orioles, but it's early in the season and they have been in a rebuilding process," Ripken said. "They just changed their front office configuration, so now you have a new group in there that is evaluating and making decisions. It's too early to tell what those decisions will bring."
