40,000 fans show up at Great American Ball Park to celebrate historic Pete Rose Night
Thousands of fans gathered at Great American Ball Park to celebrate Pete Rose Night, honoring the Cincinnati Reds legend known as "Charlie Hustle." (WKRC)
CINCINNATI (WKRC) — Thousands of fans gathered at Great American Ball Park to celebrate Pete Rose Night, honoring the Cincinnati Reds legend known as "Charlie Hustle."
The event drew fans from across the country, including Jim and Wendy Adams, who flew in from Arizona to be part of the festivities.
"This is absolutely amazing," said Fawn Rose, Pete Rose's daughter. "This city was my dad, as my brother said, Cincinnati baseball—it’s in our DNA."
The celebration featured tributes such as a Pete Rose jersey giveaway, a performance of the national anthem by 14 students from Western Hills High School, and a 14-second moment of silence. Fans also had the opportunity to hear from Reds legends George Foster, Barry Larkin, and Eric Davis.
"My entire family appreciates each and every one of you for coming here tonight like a World Series sellout to celebrate Charlie Hustle, the hit king, our dad," said Fawn Rose.
The event took on added significance following the news that Pete Rose is off Major League Baseball's ban list.
"He deserves to be in the Hall of Fame," said John Rammel, a Reds fan.
Barry Larkin shared a memorable story about his first day with the Reds, recalling how he used Pete Rose's bat and cleats for his first at-bat in the majors due to a scramble caused by bad weather.
"We’ll never forget this date," said Tim Braun, a fan in attendance.
"It’s great that his legacy lives on," said the Adams.
The night concluded with a standing ovation for Rose and his family, marking a heartfelt tribute to a Cincinnati icon.