Context:

Major League Baseball has lifted the lifetime bans on Pete Rose, 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, and 15 other deceased players, allowing them the possibility of being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This decision was made by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred following a request from Rose's family after his death at age 83. Pete Rose was a legendary player, known for his all-time record of 4,256 hits and 15,890 plate appearances, as well as his 18 All-Star appearances and MVP award in 1973. Despite his on-field achievements, Rose was banned for life due to betting on baseball, which previously barred him from Hall of Fame consideration. The new policy states that permanent ineligibility ends upon the player's death, which opens the door for their potential recognition in baseball history.

Dive Deeper:

• Major League Baseball has decided to remove Pete Rose, 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, and 15 other deceased players from its permanent ineligibility list, which could pave the way for their induction into the Hall of Fame.

• MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's decision was influenced by an application from the Rose family, submitted after Pete Rose's passing at the age of 83, to change the policy regarding posthumous eligibility.

• Pete Rose, famed for his intense playing style and work ethic, holds records as baseball's all-time hits leader with 4,256 hits and the all-time plate appearance leader with 15,890 appearances.

• Rose's illustrious career included being named the Most Valuable Player in 1973, a hitting streak of 44 consecutive games in 1978, and 18 All-Star selections over 24 seasons, primarily with the Cincinnati Reds.

• Despite his significant contributions to baseball, Rose's lifetime ban for betting on games prevented his induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame, until this policy change by MLB.

• The policy change by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred now stipulates that permanent ineligibility ends after the individual's death, allowing deceased players like Rose and Jackson to be reconsidered for Hall of Fame induction.

• The Cincinnati Reds had already recognized Rose's achievements by inducting him into their Hall of Fame in 2016 and retiring his No. 14 jersey, acknowledging his impact on the team and the sport.