Pete Rose
In a groundbreaking decision, Major League Baseball has announced that players previously banned from the game who are now deceased will be eligible for Hall of Fame consideration.
This policy shift could potentially alter the sport’s historical narrative, offering redemption to some of its most infamous yet accomplished figures.
Here’s a look at the key players affected, from the earliest to most recent, along with their bans, chances of reinstatement, and Hall of Fame odds.
Click for live odds
1. "Shoeless" Joe Jackson (1887–1951)
Banned: 1921
Reason: Alleged involvement in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, in which eight Chicago White Sox players were accused of intentionally losing the World Series for gambling payouts.
Career Stats:
BA: .356 (3rd all-time)
H: 1,772
HR: 54
RBI: 785
Chances of Hall Induction: High — Jackson has long been viewed as a tragic figure, with many arguing that his involvement in the fix was minimal or coerced. His posthumous support has grown steadily over the decades.
2. Eddie Cicotte (1884–1969)
Banned: 1921
Reason: Also implicated in the 1919 World Series fix as the team’s ace pitcher.
Career Stats:
W-L: 208-149
ERA: 2.38
SO: 1,374
Chances of Hall Induction: Moderate — Cicotte’s role was central to the scandal, but with time and historical context, voters may be more forgiving.
3. Buck Weaver (1890–1956)
Banned: 1921
Reason: Did not participate in the fix but allegedly knew about it and failed to inform authorities.
Career Stats:
BA: .272
H: 1,308
RBI: 420
Chances of Hall Induction: Strong — Weaver has become a symbol of guilt by association. His statistical case is borderline, but sympathy could sway voters.
4. Pete Rose (1941–)
Note: Still alive and therefore not eligible under the new policy, but his case remains a central part of the Hall of Fame debate.
Banned: 1989
Reason: Bet on MLB games, including those involving his own team, while managing the Cincinnati Reds.
Career Stats:
H: 4,256 (MLB record)
BA: .303
RBI: 1,314
3x World Series Champion, 17x All-Star
Chances of Induction (if posthumous): Very High — Rose’s on-field accomplishments are indisputable, and many believe only his lifetime ban stands in his way.
5. Oscar Charleston (1896–1954) (Negro Leagues legend, already inducted in 1976)
While not a banned player, Charleston’s mention reminds us of MLB’s broader shift toward reparative inclusion, now extending to banned players who died without a second chance.
🎥 MLB removes deceased players from the permanently ineligible list (CBS)
What This Means for Baseball
MLB’s decision may help heal old wounds and correct what many view as historical injustices. It does not change the past, but it acknowledges that context and fairness should play a role in preserving baseball’s legacy.
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) and Veterans Committees will now have the opportunity to revisit these players with a fresh lens. Expect vigorous debate over the next few years, especially when ballots open for these previously excluded legends.
Final Thoughts
The Hall of Fame is not just about numbers—it’s about the story of baseball. By reopening the gates to the forgotten and the disgraced, MLB is finally acknowledging that the game’s history is more than just clean box scores—it’s layered, flawed, and very human.
| Title: MLB Reopens Hall of Fame Doors to Deceased Banned Players: A Historic Shift in Baseball Legacy
| Author: Michael Rinnier
| Date: May 18th, 2025
The Inspin simulation model, which simulates every NCAAB game thousands’ of times, up over 150 units over the last three years. A $100 bettor of our NCAAB would have netted a profit of $15,000+ and, a $1,000 bettor would have won $150,000+. We offer picks on NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, XFL, PGA Golf and NCAA Basketball and Football. Now is the time to sign-up, get all the picks, and start winning.
Click here to open a package and get access to all of our simulations and the pick for this game for as little as $24.99 per week!