This article has been updated to clarify certain details.

Pete Rose, the player with the most hits in MLB history, passed away on September 30 at the age of 83. Over his 24-year career, playing for the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos, he amassed an impressive 4,256 hits. Rose was a 17-time All-Star, earned three World Series championships, and was named the National League MVP in 1973.

While his statistics speak volumes, Rose is perhaps most recognized for his absence from the MLB Hall of Fame. Here’s a summary of the life and career of the player known as “Charlie Hustle.”

What MLB Records Does Pete Rose Hold?

Rose holds several MLB records, including:

• Most Hits: 4,256
• Most Games Played: 3,562
• Most At-Bats: 14,053
• Most Singles: 3,215

His most significant milestone is his hits total. He is one of only two players to have reached 4,000 career hits in MLB, alongside Ty Cobb. The gap between Rose and the third-highest player, Hank Aaron (3,771 hits), is larger than that between Aaron and the twelfth player, Willie Mays (3,293 hits).

Why Is Pete Rose Not in the Hall of Fame?

In 1989, Pete Rose received a lifetime ban from MLB for betting on his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, while he both played and managed them from 1985 to 1987.

Rose’s chance for Hall of Fame induction has since passed. Even if his ban were lifted, he would not be able to enter Cooperstown. This situation is complicated further by MLB’s current policies on gambling. While players are still prohibited from betting on their own teams, the league has embraced live betting in many stadiums and has partnered with betting company FanDuel.

The Big Red Machine

Apart from his impressive hit record, Rose was instrumental in leading the Cincinnati Reds to two World Series victories. During the 1970s, the Reds were considered one of the most formidable teams in MLB, gaining the nickname “The Big Red Machine.” They consistently won over 95 games each season during that decade.

At their peak, the Reds boasted other stars like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey Sr., George Foster, Dave Concepcion, and Cesar Geronimo, all of whom contributed to their success.

Bench, Morgan, and Perez are Hall of Famers, while Morgan passed away in 2020 at the age of 77.

Pete Rose’s Nickname

Known for his relentless style of play, Rose was given the nickname “Charlie Hustle” by Yankees legends Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle, who admired his dedication and effort on the field.