Context:

The reinstatement of Pete Rose and 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson by MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred removed them from the permanently ineligible list, sparking debates about their potential induction into the Hall of Fame. However, despite their reinstatement, the decision to place them in the Hall of Fame rests with baseball writers, not Manfred, as Tony Kornheiser pointed out. These writers are known for guarding the integrity of the game and may hesitate to induct players like Rose, who gambled on games, or Jackson, who fixed games. Kornheiser expressed a personal desire to see Rose in the Hall of Fame, suggesting his achievements and transgressions be noted together, yet doubted his immediate induction. The debate continues amid criticisms of MLB's timing and the broader implications for other eligible players with controversial histories, like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire.

Dive Deeper:

• MLB lifted the permanent ban on Pete Rose and 16 others, including 'Shoeless' Joe Jackson, making them eligible for Hall of Fame consideration. Fans have been vocal about wanting Rose inducted, but the final decision lies with the baseball writers, not Commissioner Rob Manfred.

• Tony Kornheiser emphasized that baseball writers, responsible for Hall of Fame inductions, are strict about maintaining the game's integrity, which could hinder Rose's chances due to his history of gambling on games as a manager.

• Despite the lifting of the ban, Kornheiser noted that other players with controversial pasts, such as Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire, remain outside the Hall due to the writers' voting patterns, indicating potential challenges for Rose.

• Kornheiser personally supports Rose's Hall of Fame candidacy, advocating for his accomplishments and misdeeds to be acknowledged together, but he does not see Rose as a first-ballot inductee, reflecting the complexity of his legacy.

• The reinstatement has sparked discussions about fairness and timing, as Rose was removed from eligibility after admitting to gambling in 2004, and questions remain about the impact of these reinstatements on the Hall's integrity.

• Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have condemned MLB for not inducting Rose sooner, arguing he was a superior player to many Hall members and should not only be considered posthumously.

• The decision to reinstate Rose highlights ongoing tensions in baseball regarding how to handle players with controversial pasts, as MLB seeks to balance legacy preservation with past transgressions.