“No one can replace you,” Johnny Bench and Alex Rodriguez react to MLB’s ‘hit king’ Pete Rose’s death at 83

Pete Rose’s sudden death news shocked the baseball world on Monday as people recall the legacy left by the MLB hit king at the age of 83.

“No one can replace you,” Johnny Bench and Alex Rodriguez react to MLB’s ‘hit king’ Pete Rose’s death at 83

Johnny Bench, Pete Rose, Alex Rodriguez [Image Credit: WCPO/The Independent/Imago]

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose passed away on Monday at the age of 83 in his home. He was found by his family member and further investigation into the cause of his death is being investigated. According to reports, he was not under any doctor’s guidance at that time. 

His death shocked the whole baseball world, as fans, pundits, and critics reacted and offered condolences. The most talked about the subject was regarding his HOF candidacy which got cancelled in 1989 after he admitted to gambling in the sport and even on his own team.

The MLB later on banished the player from HOF and the game itself for a lifetime. In an assumed late on-screen interview, Rose talked about how America is a country that gives a second chance, and how he hoped he would get one, and won’t need a third. 

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Unfortunately, it did not happen, and whether it’ll ever happen is still debatable. His former teammate and friend Johnny Bench reacted to his death saying how much he was “devastated” and how much he “cried” on learning of his death.

My heart is sad. I loved you Peter Edward. You made all of us better. No matter the life we led. No one can replace you.

Johnny Bench as per Haadiza Ogwude of Cincinnati.

He further added how he desperately didn’t want this to happen to Rose before his HOF issue got resolved. While he was crowned as the MLB’s hit king, he is also remembered due to his controversial personality regarding betting and his lifetime ban.

I just didn’t want [the Hall of Fame] hanging over him. I didn’t want this to be part of baseball. I didn’t want it to be a black eye on baseball to begin with. But more importantly, Pete gave everything to all of us, and yet this sickness, this addiction was too much for him to overcome.

Johnny Bench on The Dan Patrick Show.

Yankees star Alex Rodriguez also took to social media to comment on Pete Rose’s death. He said,

Absolutely heartbroken to hear the devastating news about Pete Rose’s passing. 💔 He always brought a smile to my face when we worked together at Fox. He was true original and 1 of 1. Nobody loved baseball more than Pete and I’ll miss him terribly.

Alex Rodriguez on X.

Pete Rose made his final appearance at the Music City in Nashville. He was seen sitting in a wheelchair and reuniting with his friends for a photo and even signed autographs. He had his laughs with the fans there, but who knew it would be his last.

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Social media reacts on Pete Rose’s death

Unfortunately, while Pete Rose met with former teammates Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez, and Ken Griffey Sr., he couldn’t meet Johnny Bench. Bench later said on Tuesday that he had the same meeting to attend but on a different date and missed each other.

Pete Rose
Pete Rose [Image Credit: Marca]

Fans strongly reacted on social media following Rose’s death on September 30. They demanded MLB to now at least put him in HOF and honor him for what he deserves as nowadays many participate in gambling and yet come back to the field.

Pete Rose was a Cincinnati legend. While he didn’t get enshrined in Cooperstown, he got honored by the Reds in HOF. They even retired his jersey No.14 along with Bench’s. He is the MLB all-time hits leader and one of the most significant and controversial figures in the sport.

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