MLB lifts lifetime bans on Pete Rose, “Shoeless” Joe Jackson and 15 other players

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred has removed Pete Rose , Shoeless Joe Jackson, and 15 other late players from the banned list. This new policy change means they can now be considered for the Hall of Fame. The change came after Rose’s family asked MLB to review the ban after his death.

MLB on their new policy change
MLB took to X, where they shared the statement, issuing a policy decision on permanent ineligibility status after death. The statement read:

“In response to a petition from the family of Pete Rose, Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. today issued a policy decision regarding the status of 17 individuals who passed away while on the permanently ineligible list .”

Further, the statement, by MLB Commissioner Bob Manfred read:

Major League Baseball issues policy decision on permanent ineligibility status after death: https://t.co/T4EA7Qyi8e pic.twitter.com/7Byd9syrV5

— MLB (@MLB) May 13, 2025

“Excerpts of a letter to the lawyer for the Rose family included: The question of whether an individual should remain on the permanently ineligible list after his death has never been formally addressed by Major League Baseball. Indeed, Mr. Rose is the first person banned by a Commissioner other than Kenesaw Mountain Landis to die while still on the ineligible list. As such, it is incumbent upon the Office of the Commissioner to reach a policy decision regarding this unprecedented issue in the modern era.”

Further, Manfred said:

“In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve.”

MLB says ‘possible election to the Hall of Fame’

Further, Bob Manfred, in his public statement by the MLB said;

“Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Pete Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list. I want to emphasize that it is not part of my authority or responsibility to express any view concerning Mr. Rose's consideration by or possible election to the Hall of Fame.“

Further, Manfred explained:

“I agree with Commissioner Giamatti that responsibility for that decision lies with the Hall of Fame."

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