Peter Edward Rose was born April 14th, 1941, one of four children to Harry and LaVerne Rose. His father played semi-professional football, and was the single biggest influence on Pete’s life and career. Rose played both baseball and football at Western Hills High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. He signed a contract with the Cincinnati Reds after his high school graduation, and by the start of the 1963 season Pete was the Reds’ regular at second base. His hard working style prompted Hall-of-Fame Yankee pitcher Whitey Ford to label him “Charlie Hustle,” a nickname that Rose would be known by for the rest of his career.
Pete was the leader of the famed Big Red Machine of the 1970’s, winning back-to-back World Series Championships in 1975 and 1976. As a free agent in 1978, Pete signed to play for the Philadelphia Phillies. Similar to his days with the Reds, Rose was instrumental on the Phillies pennant winning teams in 1980 and 1983 and led the team to the World Series Championship in 1980.
Rose, a switch hitter, is the all-time major league leader in hits (4,256), games played (3,562) and at bats (14,053), as well as holding many other records. He has won three World Series rings, three batting titles, one Most Valuable Player award, two Gold Gloves, Rookie of the Year, and made 17 All-Star appearances at an unequalled five different positions. (2B, LF, RF, 3B, 1B).
Stats: 2B/RF/3B/LF/1B
AVG: .303
Hits: 4,256
RBI: 1,314
