John Nieman
Pete Rose has died. Regular visitors to this space are aware that I have always strongly believed that his lifetime ban from baseball was justified. I couldn’t understand the people who were outraged that he was given the punishment that every single professional baseball player was warned would befall them if they bet on baseball. And he did so flagrantly. Even betting on his own team.
Those who said that it was okay because he didn’t bet against the team lack a fundamental understanding of betting. In order for it to be in any way justifiable–and please let me be clear. I don’t believe it is in any way justifiable–he would have had to bet the same amount on every single game. And he did not do that. And even if he did, the punishment of a lifetime ban was still completely appropriate.
But it was a lifetime ban. His life is over, and he should be immediately inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was not only a great player, he may have been one of the greatest players to ever play the game. He was completely devoted to the game of baseball, and if not for his immense character flaws, he would have been in the Hall of Fame decades ago. He died on Sep. 30, 2024. It is now almost mid-October and his induction is long overdue.
Major League Baseball should have immediately called for a vote. The fact that he took so long to admit and that he continued to flaunt the fact that he was not in the Hall of Fame wa s just further evidence of his character flaws, and—at this point—should not be held against him.
And let me reiterate. I have been steadfastly and strongly against the lifting of the ban for his entire life. The fact that he was not able to enjoy and relish the induction ceremony while he was alive is suitable and sufficient punishment.
I keep reading about calls for Mack Brown to retire. Immediately. And I don’t understand. College football head coaches are not involved in the Play-By-Play minutia of a game. They are big picture. And they are about recruiting. And quite frankly, the time for him to retire was before the season started or at the end of this season. He was and is a great football coach. And it is almost a cliche to say that the game has passed an older coach by. But in this era of portals and NIL, the game has truly changed to the extent that experienced coaches are wise to get out and savor their legacy.
All of us boomers are being faced with a radically changed world from the one in which we made our way. This is true for every profession. Artificial intelligence alone makes retirement and withdrawal so very attractive for us.
I hope that when Coach Brown does retire—hopefully at the end of this season—he will be celebrated and remembered for the good times.
The US men’s national team looked pretty good against Panama. I am writing this before the Mexico friendly. This international break should be making something of a statement. What would be wonderful would be the breakout by more world-class players on the team other than Christian Pulisic. To quote Reggie Jackson from days gone by, Pulisic is certainly the straw that stirs the drink. I shudder to think where the team would be without him.
Speaking of Pulisic, there continues to be incessant speculation of him going to a “bigger team.” AC Milan is a big team and it’s really working out for him. Please stay a couple of more seasons.
I have mentioned previously that Martha and I have become fervent supporters of Carolina Core, the MLS Next Pro soccer team in High Point. Last Saturday they played their final regular season game against Inter Miami II. All the teams in Next Pro were playing at the same time and so we were watching the game and our phones to see how it would shake out.
Had the Core won, they would have finished in fourth place and hosted a first round playoff game. Unfortunately, they lost 1-0 and finished 10th and out of the playoffs. Exciting, devastating, and oddly satisfying. Supporting your local minor league sports team gets my highest recommendation.
That’s what we boomers do, we excel at unsolicited advice. Just ask my son.
Son Jeff has freed up time in his busy schedule and resumed playing soccer with our Dynamo team on Monday nights. I can’t contain my joy.
Beef brisket sandwiches at the Core games have not helped but are so darn delicious. Fat Boy Index: 291.