Advertisement

Pete Rose will be a part of 2015 All-Star Game in Cincinnati

mike oz

So Pete Rose is only banned from Major League Baseball when it's convenient?

That seems to be the takeaway from the latest news about the 2015 MLB All-Star game, which is going to be held this July at Cincinnati's Great American Ball Park. Reds owner Bob Castellini told fans Thursday at a Q & A that Pete Rose, baseball's embattled hit king, will be a part of the All-Star game.

Here's the exact quote, via Mark Sheldon of MLB.com:

We knew this was a possibility, because Commissioner Bud Selig left the door open for it at last year's All-Star game in Minnesota. But it's still a can of worms for MLB, particularly for new commish Rob Manfred, who takes over for Selig on Sunday.

So, Hall of Fame? Nope, sorry, Pete, you're banned. Buuuuuuuut you can totally come help us celebrate the All-Star game and get people to buy hats and T-shirts and stuff. Seems a little backward. If baseball recognizes that Rose is important to the game and can be an ambassador when one of its largest events comes to Cincinnati, then maybe they should reconsider his banning in a larger scope?

Rose was a guest on Yahoo Sports Radio earlier this week (clip up top) and said he didn't know anything specific about his involvement in the All-Star game, but he was certainly open to it.

"If I am, it's news to me," Rose said. "To be part of the All-Star game would be great for me."

Don't take the words of the Reds owner as an indication that MLB is thinking one way or another about reinstating Rose. They've brought him back before, including in 1999 for the All-Century Team. It's pretty simple: They know Rose will show up, trying to make nice —and fans will love it. But that doesn't necessarily mean he'll be getting another call soon.

More MLB coverage from Yahoo Sports:

- - - - - - -

Mike Oz is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at mikeozstew@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!