Pete Rose: "Sh*t King"

Confession time.

I really, really enjoy "Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs." over on TLC.  I know.  But I can't help it.

This past week's episode, had "The Hit King" and his family (fiance Kiana Kim and her two kids, Cassie and Ashton) traveling to Cooperstown for last year's Hall of Fame Induction weekend.

The family visited the museum, Rose did not.  Sure, the thing was clearly staged.  What reality show isn't?

But, the pain that Rose shows when talking about his banishment from baseball is, I believe, real.  The love the man still has for baseball is evident and, I'll say it, if this show is a stepping stone to get him back into the game and, ultimately, the Hall of Fame...I'm all for it.

Oh, and in case you're wondering...the "Sh*t King" reference isn't an insult.  Dude referred to himself as such.

Watch.

 

Donald Trump Supports Pete Rose

I don't want to be the guy who tells Donald Trump how to conduct his business...but sometimes (correction: all the time?) dude has the market cornered on random.

Case in point.  Thursday morning, while the rest of the country is talking about Manti Te'o and/or Lance Armstrong...he drops this revelation.

Now, I'm not going to lie...I'm a fan of both men, but c'mon, Trumpster...unless you're out there trying to help promote Pete Rose's new show (you can watch the first episode HERE), the tweet kinda came from out of nowhere.

Oh well.  It's not long until pitchers and catchers report.

Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs.

When it was first announced that Pete Rose and his fiance Kiana Kim were going to be the stars of their own TLC reality series...I was skeptical.

I mean, would a show about baseball's all-time hit king and a former Playboy model be all that interesting?

Turns out...yes.  Yes, it is.

And here's why.

After just a couple of minutes, you learn that Rose is exactly the dirty old man you figured he would be.  And, Kim, well...she's every bit the plastic future-trophy wife you'd expect.  But, beneath all that, they both seem to genuinely care about each other and, honestly, that's what you want from a show that, among other things, is showcasing the differences between a 71-year-old and his much younger wife-to-be.

I just wish someone would cut the cord between Kim's daughter Cassie and her cell phone.  Oooooh, kids these days!

Hit King...I know you're reading this.  Perhaps fodder for a future episode?  Hint.  Hint. 

So, in case you missed it, enjoy "Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs." online while you still can.  And, yeah, my favorite part...the monogrammed "Hit King" collared shirts. 

Super classy.  I want.

Pete Rose's TV Show Has an Airdate

Move over Honey Boo Boo...here comes "The Hit King"!

Yeah, I know...I know.

Anyway.  Pete Rose has a new show starting up on TLC and now...it's got an airdate.

“Pete Rose: Hits and Mrs.” will follow the life of the baseball legend and will focus on the relationship between the hits hoarder (see what I did there?) and his fiance Kiana Kim.

Are Rose's kids accepting of his relationship with the former Playboy model?  Do Kim's teenage children like Rose?  He lives in Las Vegas...she lives in Los Angeles.  Can the two manage a long distance relationship?

Who can possibly answer all these questions?!?

You can find out Monday, January 14 at 10:00pm (EST) on TLC.  Set your recorders now.

Pete Rose Comments on Derek Jeter's Postseason Milestone

This past weekend, before he shattered his ankle (and the hearts of New York Yankees fans), Derek Jeter collected his 200th postseason hit.

And since you can't seem to mention a Jeter hit milestone without comparing him to Pete Rose nowadays...I decided to reach out to "The Hit King" and see what he thought.

Unfortunately, his response was not all that shocking.

"Jeter has had the opportunity to play in a lot more playoff games than players of my era due to playoff expansion," Rose told The Hall exclusively. "I'd expect a Yankee to hold that record."

If you're curious (you're not), Rose made the postseason eight times. Jeter...sixteen.

So, assuming players of Rose's era had the benefit of an extra round of playoffs, would any of them even come remotely close to Jeter's 158 postseason games and 734 plate appearances? Probably not.

Even a guy like Reggie Jackson and his eleven postseason appearances, would be looking at, at best, an extra 50 games if he had an extra round of playoffs. And if you add in those 50 extra games, 127 playoff contests for "Mr. October" would be no match for the current Yankees captain.

Derek Jeters Collects 200th Postseason Hit

Is it fair to call Derek Jeter "Mr. October" yet? I mean...dude does have more anythings than anyone else ever has during the postseason.

And Saturday night, the hits just kept on coming for the New York Yankees captain.

Literally.

With a second-inning single off Detroit Tigers starter Doug Fister, Jeter became the first player in baseball history to record 200 career postseason hits. Sure, Jeter has played almost an entire season's worth of postseason games (158 to be exact), but, still, any way you slice it...200 base knocks in the playoffs is pretty impressive.

Behind the shortstop on the all-time postseason list, former teammate Bernie Williams (with 128 hits) and slugger Manny Ramirez (117). The next closest active player is Albert Pujols who, in 74 postseason games for the St. Louis Cardinals, collected 88 playoff hits.

If you want to have some fun playing with numbers, Jeter has 3504 combined regular and postseason hits. At the same age (38 years, three months and 17 days), baseball's all-time hit king Pete Rose had 3344 (3289 regular season, 55 post). And, yes, I realize combining the two totals is pretty much irrelevant. But, it is worthy of a little cyber ink...if that is such a thing.

You see, the "Hit King" has been very vocal of late, dismissing Jeter's climb up the all-time hits ladder and eventually approaching his hits record.
　
"I don't think he will break the record," Rose said in a recent interview. "He still needs 950 hits, right? He had a great year this year, but you think he can do that again? At 39? A shortstop? Let's say he does it again. Let's say he gets 200 more hits next year. And let's say he gets 200 more hits when he's 40, though I don't think he can. Okay, can he get 200 more hits when he's 41? You think he can?"

"I don't think he can get 200 more hits at 41, but let's say he does. Okay, now he's 42. He’s gonna get 200 more hits then? At 42? Let me tell you, I've been there, the body locks up," Rose continued. "Jeter's a great hitter. I'd say he hits like I did. But he's gonna get 200 hits when he's 42? I don't think he will. And even if he does all that, he's STILL 150 hits short."

I've got to agree with Rose on this one...I don't think Jeter gets to 4256. But, then again, no one is dropping good money at a Las Vegas store to hear what I think.

 

Pete Rose Talks WWE

As if the idea of Pete Rose being inducted into their Hall of Fame (his induction video is below) wasn't surreal enough...baseball's hit king was recently asked by WWE about superstar Kane's recent anger management issues.

"I don’t think Kane needs to be less angry," Rose told WWE.com.  "I think Kane needs to funnel his anger correctly and focus it only on his WWE opponents and not tag team partners, announcers and especially celebrity guests."

So, yeah, if you're keeping track...Pete Rose, banished from baseball (and, subsequently, its Hall of Fame), was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame back in 2004 and, for whatever reason, was questioned about one of its superstar's (Kane, real name Glenn Jacobs) pretend "anger management" issues.

Kinda like asking Bob Hoskins how it was sharing the screen with Baby Herman in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" isn't it?

That said, interviewer Joey Styles did throw out a pretty cool question.

STYLES:  Do you think your infamous 1970 All-Star Game shoulder block that dropped Ray Fosse would be effective against Kane?

ROSE:  To make a shoulder block effective, I need to pick up speed. I wouldn’t be able to pick up enough speed to knock Kane down inside a WWE ring. I’d have to run at Kane full speed from the stage at the top of the ramp. Even then, I think Kane is too much of a monster to topple. I’ll stick with the bat.

I don't know about you...but I'd pay to watch that.

Pete Rose is Still Gambling

Would it be a surprise to anyone to know that disgraced former Major Leaguer Pete Rose was in Las Vegas gambling during the SuperBowl?

I mean, here's a guy who, in 1989, was banned from baseball for gambling...nevermind, I'm not shocked at all to know that dude was in Sin City on SuperBowl Sunday.  Much less, talking slot strategies (for close to 20 minutes!) and posing for pictures.

Anyway...here's Rose and fan Ari Rabin-Havt slotside at the Wynn Casino.

***Props to Terez Owens.***

He Got Charlie Hustled? Get It?!?

The baseball season has been over for less than a week and, somehow, this is what qualifies as news.

From the Thirty Mile Zone:

Baseball won't have him back and now, Pete Rose's dentist is pissed at him too...claiming the MLB legend has refused to pay for almost $3k in dental services.  Dr. Armen Terteryan is drillin' Rose for $2,915.00 for "dental services rendered and not paid for" back in 2010.

According to the lawsuit, filed in small claims court in L.A., the doc claims Rose agreed to the fees before "starting treatment"...though it's unclear which procedures were performed on the baseball star.

A small claims showdown has been scheduled for December 14th. Calls to Rose have not been returned.

I don't know about you, but I know I can't wait to see how this "showdown" shakes out.  If we're lucky...maybe it'll end up as the next "Trial of the Century".

Or maybe not.

Here's a suggestion on how we can help Rose pay back the dentist.  Let's pool together some money and buy one of the dinners the Hit King offers up over at his website.

This will be a once in a lifetime experience having dinner with Pete Rose.

You will eat at a first class restaurant in Las Vegas like The Palm, Smith & Wollensky, Nine Steakhouse or a similar restaurant of your choice. The minimum number of people is four and the price is $5,000.00. *For each additional person add an additional $1,000. The price includes the meal, with a limit of $100 for alcoholic beverages, and each person will also receive an autographed baseball signed by Pete at the table.

We believe that you should be alert for your dinner with Pete; this will be one of the funniest, entertaining, and interesting evenings you will ever experience. If you really want to give your customer or someone a special treat for a special occasion this is it.

Be alert?  If I'm eating at a first class restaurant "like" some of the ones mentioned...you better believe I will be alert!

Pitchers and catchers report when now?  I'm going on suicide watch.

Friday 5: Pat Bertoletti

I’ve said it before and I’m going to say it again…the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest is a “can’t miss” event here at the home office.

With that in mind, this week’s “Friday 5” has to do with just that.

Eating hot dogs.

Baseball fan, mustache enthusiast and friend of The Hall, Pat Bertoletti took time out of his busy schedule to chime in on what baseball players (past and present) he thinks would have the best chance of joining him on the competitive eating circuit.

David Wells. Have you seen the guy? ‘nuff said.

Chan Ho Park. No explanation should be needed for this one. He's Asian…and Asians seem to be pretty good at eating.

The late Rod Beck. He was always in great eating shape and had that awesome mustache.

Former Cincinnati Reds reliever Frank Pastore. He held the Big Texan Free 72oz. Steak record for so long. It’s true. In 1987, he ate the complete steak dinner in nine and a half minutes. His record lasted 21 years.

Last but not least…Pete Rose. Not because he'd be a good eater but I have a soft spot for him. I had my penis legally named “Charlie Hustle”.

Pat Bertoletti currently holds 35 eating records and will be competing in his sixth Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest Monday at Coney Island.  I had the privilege of talking baseball with "Deep Dish" last year just prior to his third place finish.

You can follow his exploits via facebook or over at his website.

Pete Rose: "I Want to be a Manager"

Having officially given up on his attempt to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame...Pete Rose now has his sights set on something else.

"I want to be a manager, that's the only role," Rose told the crowd at Ohio Justice and Policy Center gala. "But I'm running out of time. I want to teach young players."

Interesting.  Wait...what?

Yeah...you read that part about Rose addressing the Ohio Justice and Policy Center gala correctly.

"I don't go to many banquets where I sit with the judge that sent me to prison," the hit king and keynote speaker said, drawing laughter from the 300 people in attendance. "I'm not bitter at anybody. I made the mistake."

The former Cincinnati Reds player and manager was banned for life in 1989 for betting on baseball games...including Reds games. He holds baseball's record with 4256 hits.

Wrestling Meets Baseball

Growing up, I was always excited this time of year.  It meant two things 'round my house...Opening Day of baseball and Wrestlemania.

And in a few hours...we'll be two for two.

Last year at this time, when Bob Uecker was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, I took the high road and steered clear of making the obvious steroids jokes when discussing wrestling, baseball and the Hall of Fame.

Tonight (in an encore presetation of a post from last year at this time), I'm going to try and do it again since it seems the three of them DO have more in common than just performance enhancing drugs. And no, I won't be going into the whole "this one seemingly allows them" and "this one says they don't" comparison.

When the WWE inducted "Mr. Baseball" into their Hall of Fame (check out the text of his speech HERE), he became the second former Major Leaguer to achieve the honor.

It's true.

After an eight year hiatus, the WWE relaunched their Hall of Fame to coincide with WrestleMania XX and Pete Rose was inducted by, fittingly, "The Big Red Machine" Kane.

But why are Uecker and Rose in the WWE Hall of Fame?

You see, Uecker served as an announcer for two of wrestling's biggest all-time pay-per-view events (WrestleMania III and IV) and, famously, got choked out by wrestling legend Andre the Giant.

Rose, on the other hand, did Ueck one better...having appeared at WrestleMania XIV, XV and 2000.

Also taking part and joining Rose in those memorable WrestleMania XV and 2000 appearances was the Famous San Diego Chicken. No word yet if the Chicken (a member of inaugural Mascot Hall of Fame) will be joining fellow bird enthusiast Koko B. Ware in the WWE Hall of Fame.

But the WWE connection with Major League Baseball doesn't end with Uecker, Rose and his feathered friend.

In 2007, baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs inducted the late Curt Hennig in the WWE's hallowed halls. The unlikely pairing struck up a friendship after Boggs appeared with "Mr. Perfect" in a 1983 vignette. According to Boggs...it didn't end with just that taped piece.

"We became good friends, hunting and fishing buddies. In fact, he once saved my life while we were hunting in 2001," Boggs said prior to Hennig's induction in 2007. "I got entangled into a barbed wire fence and was cut pretty badly. It took all the strength Curt had to free me and carry me about a mile back to the truck. He saved my life and has a special place in my heart."

And while most WWE stars (past and present) have a history with professional football, there is at least one whose roots can be traced back to minor league baseball.

Randy Poffo was actually an outfielder who spent parts of four seasons in the low minors before becoming "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

A career .254 hitter in the St. Louis and Cincinnati organizations, his best season was his final one...with the Reds single-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. Savage, er, Poffo finished third in the league in RBI and tied for fifth in home runs.

The 1974 North Division Champion Tarpons didn't produce any significant Major Leaguers, but the Florida State League that season had a few rising stars...speedster Ron LeFlore, pitchers LaMarr Hoyt and Dennis Martinez and a young Eddie Murray.

Since the WWE implemented the "Raw" guest host in the summer of 2009, there have been two that have had ties to baseball.

Last spring...the aforementioned Rose welcomed fans to the HP Pavilion in San Jose and prior to that, Johnny Damon took center stage (ring?) when he grabbed the mic in Tampa.

You would think that given the history of both sports and the connection that they share, there would be more crossover and if you ask me...they're missing the mark by not including MLB stars.  I mean, consider this...a month before the new season, it wasn't Albert Pujols (or even, God help us, Ryan Theriot) hosting "WWE Raw".

Who was it?

Snooki.

Yuck.

And if you're looking to enjoy WrestleMania 27 tonight for free on the web, hit up BlackSportsOnline.com.  Just make sure you throw it's proprietor Robert a buck or two.

The "Hit King" is on the Move

After a very successful seven-year run at Caesars Palace, Pete Rose is leaving Las Vegas.

Maybe.

It has been announced that Major League Baseball's all-time hits leader has left the Field of Dreams memorabilia store at the Forum Shops at Caesars for what he hopes will be "greener pastures".

"It was a mutual thing. He wanted to try something different. He's a deal maker," said Jim Nagourney, vice president of Stars Live, a division of Field of Dreams told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

So where's he heading?

Rumors are circulating that Rose, who turns 70 in April, might be heading down the strip, crossing Tropicana Boulevard and ending up at Luxor.  Former Chicago Bears great and pro football Hall of Famer Dick Butkus will take over the Hit King's seat at Caesars.

You can follow Rose's schedule over at his website.

Pete Rose to the Hall of Fame: "Don't Wait 'Til I'm Dead"

Mark your calendars...because this is going to be the first, last and only time these following phrase will be uttered. 

I wish I lived in Clifton, Ohio right now.

You see, this weekend marks the initial run of the documentary "4,192: The Crowning of the Hit King"...the story of Pete Rose's chase of the all-time hit record.  I dig Rose, remember the countdown to the milestone vividly and would love to see 1985 baseball up on the big screen.

Oh...and I'd like to see "Charlie Hustle" in the Hall of Fame.

Recently, Cincinnati Enquirer reporter John Erardi caught up with Rose...talked about the movie, the current state of the Cincinnati Reds and, of course, Cooperstown.

"I would hope that I'd get a second chance. Don't wait 'til I'm dead," Rose told Erardi.  "The Hall of Fame is for family and friends. I'd like to get up there in front of them."

You can read the entire interview over at Cincinnati.com...click HERE and check it out!

And if you're one of the lucky to actually be near Clifton this week, you can check out the Esquire Theatre and showtimes for "4192" HERE...then let me know how the movie is.

Alice Cooper is the "Pete Rose of Rock and Roll"

Anyone who knows me or the site knows, by now, that I love me some Halls of Fame and in my day...I've been to a few.

One of my favorites is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and, just like in sports, when the candidates for induction are announced...I listen.

This year, the list of nominees includes Bon Jovi, Alice Cooper, Tom Waits, Donovan and Neil Diamond. Previously nominated acts LL Cool J, J. Geils Band, Beastie Boys, Donna Summer, Chic, Dr. John, Laura Nyro, Joe Tex, Darlene Love and Chuck Willis are also under consideration.

Now, here comes the question...what in the world does this have to do with baseball?

Well, with the following quote, that question is answered!

“I think the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame should be calling me,” Cooper said of his induction chances. “I think I'm being blackballed. But it's great to be the Pete Rose of rock and roll.”

Yes!

Now, while I'm not sure if the guy who penned the rock classic "School's Out" will see enshrinement soon (he's been on the ballot longer than Bert Blyleven)...I'm pretty sure Pete Rose will not. That said, given Rose is a member of the WWE Hall of Fame (class of 2004), maybe Cooper (who appeared alongside Jake "The Snake" Roberts in WrestleMania III) should consider shifting his focus.

The top vote-getters for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be announced in December. They will be formally inducted in March at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City.

***UPDATE*** It's been pointed out to me that Alice Cooper owns a sportsbar in Phoenix called, wait for it...Alice Cooper'stown. Brilliant. You can follow them (it?) on Twitter at @cooperstown_az. Well played, Mr. Niceguy. Well. Played.

The Hit King Gets Roasted

Anyone who knows me knows that I have two genuine loves...baseball and roasts.

It's true.

I own a number of the Dean Martin DVDs, watch all the Comedy Central Roasts and even though no one will ever see the material...wrote some great one-liners a few years back with a friend of mine.

Hell...I've even read the book I Only Roast the Ones I Love by Jeffrey Ross. And frankly, who of you out there even knew the Roastmaster General wrote a book?

So, when I heard that following the 4192 celebration Saturday night in Cincinnati, Reds legend Pete Rose was going to be roasted...I couldn't wait to read about it and see the footage.

What shocked most was not the complete lack of humor on the dais...but, rather, Rose's breakdown.

"I disrespected the game of baseball. When you do that, you disrespect your teammates, the game and your family," a tearful Rose told the packed house at, of all places, the Hollywood Casino in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. "I guarantee everybody in this room, I will never disrespect you again."

Some have called Rose's act the latest in a string of cons being pulled off to clear his name and get him re-instated...but others think it to be legit.

"(It was) nice...I was crying," said Rose's teammate, Hall of Famer Tony Perez said following the roast. "He finally got it off his chest."

Cesar Geronimo, Ken Griffey, Tom Browning, Pete Rose Jr. joined Perez on the dais...but it was George Foster that got in the best line.

"Pete Rose is proof it doesn't take talent to play baseball."

One can only imagine the massive firepower that Ross, Greg Giraldo or Don Rickles could bring to an event like the one held Saturday night.

You can read more about the roast over at Cincinnati.com.

Sobbing Pete Rose Repents for Betting on Baseball

Pete Rose Roast Mostly Lovefest

September 11, 1985...Where Are They Now?

I would have liked to have put together something like this on my own, but since the fine folks at the Cincinnati Enquirer already did it...here goes!

It's been 25 years since Pete Rose hit 4192 - and we know what happened to Pete's career in the years to follow. Here's an update on some of the other players involved that night.

Eric Show: The Padres right-hander never wanted to be part of Rose's historic moment. After surrendering the hit, he walked to first base to congratulate Rose but as the ovation went on, he seemed to sour on it and memorably took a seat on the mound. Show, a complex character who advocated causes associated with liberals and conservatives, died of a drug overdose in 1994.

Steve Garvey: The Padres first baseman greeted Rose warmly when he reached first base. Long time rivals - Garvey's Dodgers teams perennially battled the Reds for first in the old National League West - Garvey memorably said then, "Pete Rose should bypass the Hall (of Fame) and go directly to the Smithsonian." Garvey now runs a TV production company and gives motivational speeches.

Tommy Helms: Manager Rose's first-base coach was a teammate on his early Reds teams. On September 11, 1985, Rose and Helms slapped low fives in the old 1970s style after Rose rounded first and retreated in triumph to the bag. Helms would replace Rose as interim manager when Rose accepted his lifetime ban in 1989. He still lives in the area and is a frequent participant in Marty Brennaman's charity golf tournament.

Carmelo Martinez: The Padres left fielder snared hit Number 4192 on and threw it back to the infield. The outfielder/first baseman resurfaced with Lou Piniella's injury-ravaged 1991 Reds team for the latter half of the season. More recently, as interim manager of the single-A Peoria Chiefs, his shove of Dayton Dragons manager Donnie Scott helped escalate an ugly 2008 incident that resulted in Chiefs pitcher Julio Castillo firing a baseball at an opponent and hitting a fan.

Pete Rose Jr.: Rose memorably hugged and cried on the shoulder of his son, just 15, moments after 4192. Rose Jr. spent 21 seasons in minor league ball, some independent leagues, even the Mexican League. In 1997, he was a September call-up by the Reds, batting .143 in 11 games. He served as hitting coach for the Florence Freedom last season and recently accepted a job in the White Sox organization.

The ball and bat: Steve Wolter, owner of Sports Investments in Montgomery but originally Rose's insurance agent, bought both the baseball and the black Mizuno bat from Rose in 1986. They're still on display in the store in the case Rose had built for them. Value? "It's hard to say, it's so subjective," Wolter says. But the bat Rose used for his final hit, Number 4256, sold for $160,000 three months ago, Wolter said.

The Corvette: Reds majority owner Marge Schott presented Rose with a red 1985 Corvette that night. It sits in the middle of Wolter's shop. "It's not really worth any more than any other mint '85 Corvette," Wolter says. "But it serves its purpose."

So where were you? What are your memories of 4192?

It's September 11...Where Were You?

I really, really wanted to start this thing with something snarky about how "I will never forget"...then transition into a post about Pete Rose besting Ty Cobb's (former) all-time hit record on September 11, 1985.

But I can't...I just can't do it.

"Insensitive" some would say. Others might call it "cold" or "heartless".

And, chances are, they'd be right.

But I remember where I was that Wednesday twenty-five years ago when "Charlie Hustle" became baseball's hit king. Well, more accurately, I remember where I was when he didn't.

A couple of days prior, my brother and I were in his bedroom watching as Rose's Cincinnati Reds were taking on the Chicago Cubs. I remember both of us sitting there watching as he tied Cobb, but what we really wanted to was whether or not history could be made on our watch

It wasn't.

Thankfully, we didn't have to wait long to catch the highlights of Rose sending an Eric Show offering into left-center for hit number 4192.

Tonight, the Reds have planned a celebration of the achievement and, according to their website, are expecting "an appearance by the Hit King himself on the field".

Some reports said that Rose would NOT be at Great American Ballpark, but rather (and some say fittingly)...a Hollywood Casino. Thankfully, the casino is just 23 miles down the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, Indiana and if some OTHER reports are accurate, Rose will be bused to and from "Hollywood-on-the-Ohio" so he can make an appearance in the Queen City.

But like the two kids watching Rose on that old 13-inch black and white TV 25 years ago...we'll all have to wait and see how tonight unfolds.

So that we may never forget...here's how five very different bloggers around the interwebs are remembering September 11, 1985.

Rob Neyer (ESPN)
Why Pete Rose's Record Will Stand

Brandon Sneed
Pete Rose is Back in Baseball, For a Night

Dean Hybl (Sports Then and Now)
25 Years Ago: Pete Rose Becomes Baseball's Hit King

Justice Hill (Bleacher Report)
Note To Pete Rose: Baseball Needs You Back Full Time As Much As You Need It

John Erardi (Cincinnati Enquirer)
Pete Rose: Timeline of Events After 4,192

Sound off! Tell The Hall your memories of September 11, 1985 or link to your favorite blogger's work in the comments section!

The "Hit King" is Hitting This...Apparently

The baseball world has had its fair share of notable hook ups...Joe DiMaggio had Marilyn Monroe, Jose Canseco had Madonna and plenty of Major Leaguers have had Alyssa Milano. Zing!

And, apparently, Pete Rose has future Playboy model Kiana King.

Daily.

Yuck.

In a recent appearance on The Howard Stern Show, the "Hit King" and his new girlfriend revealed plenty about their life together...including how the 68 year-old and 29 year-old met (at a Mercedes dealership!), how Rose is in bed and whether or not they are planning on having kids.

However, the most revealing part...the former All-Star's story about showering with Joe DiMaggio in Vietnam.

Check out the re-cap of the appearance over at Stern's website or, if you can stomache it, get the blow-by-blow HERE.

In all sincerity, best of luck to Rose. I think the old man should enjoy the few months that this relationship will last. And here's a promise...if I see the dude when I hit Vegas in a couple of months, I'll shake his hand for all of you.

Baseball Meets Wrestling...Seems Logical

A couple of weeks ago in a story about Bob Uecker being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, I took the high road and steered clear of making a steroids joke when discussing wrestling, baseball and the Hall of Fame.

This week...I'm going to try and do it again since it seems the three of them DO have more in common than just performance enhancing drugs. And no, I won't be going into the whole "this one seemingly allows them" and "this one says they don't" comparison.

Last night in Phoenix, when the WWE inducted "Mr. Baseball" into their Hall of Fame (check out the text of his speech HERE), he bacame the second former Major Leaguer to achieve the honor.

After an eight year hiatus, the WWE relaunched their Hall of Fame to coincide with WrestleMania XX and Pete Rose was inducted by, fittingly, "The Big Red Machine" Kane.

But why are Uecker and Rose in the WWE Hall of Fame?

Uecker served as an announcer for two of wrestling's biggest all-time pay-per-view events (WrestleMania III and IV) and famously got choked out by wrestling legend Andre the Giant. Rose, on the other hand, did Ueck on better...having appeared at WrestleMania XIV, XV and 2000.

Also taking part and joining Rose in those memorable WrestleMania XV and 2000 appearances was the Famous San Diego Chicken. No word yet if the Chicken (a member of inaugural Mascot Hall of Fame) will be joining fellow bird enthusiast Koko B. Ware in the WWE Hall of Fame.

But the WWE connection with Major League Baseball doesn't end with Uecker, Rose and his feathered friend.

In 2007, baseball Hall of Famer Wade Boggs inducted the late Curt Hennig. The unlikely pairing struck up a friendship after Boggs appeared with "Mr. Perfect" in a 1983 vignette. According to Boggs...it didn't end with just that taped piece.

"We became good friends, hunting and fishing buddies. In fact, he once saved my life while we were hunting in 2001," Boggs said prior to Hennig's Hall of Fame induction in 2007. "I got entangled into a barbed wire fence and was cut pretty badly. It took all the strength Curt had to free me and carry me about a mile back to the truck. He saved my life and has a special place in my heart."

And while most WWE stars (past and present) have a history with professional football, there is at least one whose roots can be traced back to minor league baseball.

Randy Poffo was actually an outfielder who spent parts of four seasons in the low minors before becoming "Macho Man" Randy Savage.

A career .254 hitter in the St. Louis and Cincinnati organizations, his best season was his final one...with the Reds single-A affiliate Tampa Tarpons. Savage, er, Poffo finished third in the league in RBI and tied for fifth in home runs.

The 1974 North Division Champion Tarpons didn't produce any significant Major Leaguers, but the Florida State League that season had a few rising stars...speedster Ron LeFlore, pitchers LaMarr Hoyt and Dennis Martinez and a young Eddie Murray.

Lastly, this past December saw current Major Leaguer Johnny Damon grab the mic as guest host of Monday Night Raw. Now, I'm not an avid RAW watcher, but as one blogger put it, Damon looked "dazed and confused out there...A for effort".

Damon's new team, the Detroit Tigers, are hoping for better results. The WWE, on the other hand, has been taking advantage of the dazed and confused for years.