CINCINNATI — The Reds do not know if Commissioner Rob Manfred will reinstate Pete Rose or not. But no matter what happens, you can expect for Rose to continue to participate in the Reds events.
Manfred has said he will rule by the end of the year, but Manfred has allowed Rose, who’s been on the permanent suspension list since 1989 for betting on baseball, participate in Reds functions.
Rose was not at Redsfest, but he participated in a question-and-answer session with season-ticket holders on the eve of Redsfest at the Duke Energy Convention Center. The club did that without even asking permission.
“When it comes to in-stadium stuff, we would,” said chief operating officer Phil Castellini. “When it’s in game, in ballpark, that’s stuff that you have to sensitive on. What we do with Pete in the market, fan event, not a problem.”
But Major League Baseball has never turned down a Reds’ request to have Rose at a function.
“Even back with Bud (Seleig), we were never told no,” Castellini said. “We honored the anniversary of 4,192. We had the Big Reds Machine stuff, statue dedications. Every time we asked to do something, we were given permission.
“What we hear by the end of the year — commissioner is supposed to come down with something — maybe that changes things as far as what we can do or not. I don’t know what will happen any more than you do.
"But, so far, when and if we asked, it’s not been a problem.”
There isn’t an elaborate process. It just take one phone call, Castellini said.
If Rose is reinstated, it would open up other things. The Reds could retire his number, erect a statue and put him the team Hall of Fame.
