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Former Major League Baseball great Pete Rose expressed optimism that he could some day be inducted into the Hall of Fame following a lifetime ban for gambling on Baseball games.
"I've waited 25 years, but I've done so because I was the one who screwed up," Rose told ESPN.com. "And if I were given a second chance, I would be the happiest guy in the world."
Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will be retiring on Jan. 24, 2015 and Rose believes Selig may ultimately grant him a pardon of sorts.
"I haven't given up on Bud," Rose said. "I'm not glad he's leaving. He has a love for the game and has been good for it. If the next guy is his best friend, I don't expect he'll just turn me loose, but if he isn't, I hope he has an open mind."
Rose remains one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball. To prove this point, the former Cincinnati player and manager sits inside a Las Vegas store called the Art of Music on the strip signing autographs, items costing between $80 and $800. And the fans, they all flock to pay for the autographed merchandise.
Rose still gambles, just not on Baseball.
"I only bet on events that I am watching," Rose said. "I watch the horses. I was a big fan of [Triple Crown hopeful] California Chrome."
63% of those voting on whether Rose will eventually make it into the Hall of Fame believe it will happen. A total of 23,746 votes were cast at ESPN.com at the time of this writing.
- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com
