Johnny Damon Talks Pete Rose and More: BetOnline Exclusive

The cool and charismatic Johnny Damon sat down for a wide-ranging interview with former NFLer Adam "Pacman" Jones on the Politely Raw podcast, an exclusive for BetOnline.

The MLB legend weighed in on the controversial Torpedo Bats—would they have made him a home run king? 

He also shares his thoughts on Pete Rose’s Hall of Fame snub, Shohei Ohtani’s future, and his business ventures. Plus, Pacman reacts to the NFL banning the Tush Push, the latest on Brock Purdy’s contract situation, and Shedeur Sanders & Travis Hunter’s Pro Day. Final Four picks, Quavo’s wild new car, and Strip Club Madness gets a shake-up!

Damon and Pacman discuss torpedo bats, Shohei Ohtani as a pitcher, Jazz Chisholm, Yankees clubhouse rules, Red Sox curses, the Reds postseason possibilities, Pete Rose and Donald Trump!

We've transcribed some of the interview highlights for you below, and the segment gets underway around the 2-minute mark.

Check out the full interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0fGWn1nd4M

On Jazz Chisholm in New York:

"Jazz is perfect for the Yankees. I know him from Central Florida here, and the Yankees is what he needed. He needed that big audience and he's taking advantage of everything he has. And when you produce in the big markets...New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, L.A. Dodgers...people remember that stuff forever. Jazz is the perfect fit, and what the Yankees have needed recently. He brings that spunk to it."

On Ohtani as a pitcher:

"It would be a great story, but I want the kid to be healthy and I want him to keep hitting home runs. You get on the mound...it's tough. There are so many great pitchers out there, and Ohtani is one of them, but I'd rather just see him just keep on hitting home runs. If he has to pitch, if he has to close out a game in a big situation, say the World Series in 2025, absolutely put him on the mound."

On Red Sox curses:

"[Red Sox] haven't won since they got rid of me in 2009. So, I mean...I broke the curse of the Bambino, hopefully there's not a curse of Johnny Damon."

On Reds postseason chances:

"Tito would not have come back to manage if he knew he would not have a shot to [compete.]"

On Pete Rose in Hall of Fame:

"I would love a manager to bet on his team. And if the manager is betting on your team, you're going to go out there and be like, 'I'm going to make my manager some money.'

"I know it's not politically correct to say, but Pete Rose should've been in the Hall of Fame 30 years ago. Hopefully the Hall calls soon, but it's unfortunate he's not here anymore."