Now What, Pete

Before my current writing life, there was The Hilltop, Howard University’s and the Nation’s Oldest Black Collegiate Newspaper, where many of the questions and themes I still explore first found their voice. What follows are my early published works, preserved in their original form.

From The Hilltop Archives

Originally published in The Hilltop, Howard University — January 23rd, 2004

__________________________________________________________________________________

Now What, Pete

Apologies...we don't need no stinking apologies.

 

So after fourteen and some odd years, you finally admitted the truth... you were gambling on baseball as a manager for the Cincinnati Reds.

 

Hey Pete, tell the people something they didn't already know. You're a chronic gambler; you have a problem and you need to seek help. 

 

Everyone knew you bet on baseball. People aren't stupid, they just wanted to see how long you could keep the lie alive. You didn't do a good job. The only problem: this is the big leagues. If you're going to lie, you have to come better than that.

 

Why do you think they called you Charlie Hustle? (hint: it wasn't because you hold the all-time record for hits)

 

Back then, players, such as yourself, weren't getting paid nearly as much as players today. 

 

What did you do? You had to find a Hustle. Honestly, you should have found something you were good at. Nonetheless, you chose gambling, a quick hit if you knew what you were doing.

 

You're hustling as we speak.

 

Let's go back.

 

Wicked side-arm reliever Dennis Eckersley and consistent Paul Molitor were elected to the hall on their first attempt on January 6. 

 

If I can, I'd like to make an inference:

 

Eckersley didn't pose a threat, but Molitor did. With 3,319 career hits, he's in the Baseball Hall of Fame. The eighth place guy made it to Cooperstown and first place guy sits moping because he's banned for life.

 

Jealous much? You wanted the spotlight back on you. If Molitor could get in, you would be a shoe in. You need one more shot to put your name back on the ballot.

 

You already privately admitted to Bud Selig and on ABC's "Dateline Thursday" with Charles Gibson, it was time for Pete Rose to come clean to the public. 

 

Is it a coincidence that your confession occurred during the same week that your second autobiography "My Prison Without Bars" was to be released? Speaking of which, it sits atop The New York Times Best-Seller List. You are the true definition of a hustler. 

 

If it were up to me, if I had a say in the matter, Pete, I'd let you in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Your image may be tainted as a manager, but based on your career accolades as a player, they speak for themselves. 

 

My only problem is, I hear experts saying that gambling is the worst atrocity in baseball and a real cardinal sin. Is it just me or are their priorities skewed? Since when does the use of steroids and cocaine take a backseat to gambling? 

 

In this country, you can be as drugged up as you want, just don't mess with the money. Bodies and minds are expendable, money isn't.

 

I thought this was America people and as America's Pastime, baseball is a microcosm of this 'o righteous land. The Hall of Fame already has bigots, liars, cheaters and stealers, what's one more? Pete, come on home.