Thousands of fans gathered at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on a rainy Sunday to pay their respects to Pete Rose, the Reds legend who passed away at the age of 83 on Sept. 30.
The visitation for Rose was organized by the Reds and Rose’s daughters, Fawn and Kara. The event began at 7 a.m. and lasted until 9 p.m., with fans lining up outside the ballpark as early as 4 a.m. in honor of Rose’s No. 14.
Fans came to honor Rose not only for his record as baseball’s all-time hits leader and his three World Series championships with the “Big Red Machine,” but also because he was a hometown hero who embodied hard work, determination, and hustle. Despite his lifetime ban from baseball and exclusion from the Hall of Fame, fans showed unwavering support for Rose.
The visitation attracted over 1,500 people within the first seven hours, allowing fans to view Rose’s ashes, memorabilia from his career, and a video showcasing his highlights. Attendees also left tributes at the Rose statue outside the ballpark, including red roses, signed baseballs, jerseys, and caps.
In a statement via the Associated Press, Fawn Rose expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support from Cincinnati, the baseball community, and fans worldwide following the loss of her father.
The Reds plan to commemorate Rose further on May 14 with a special “Pete Rose Day,” coinciding with the jersey number he wore. The game against the Chicago White Sox will feature a ceremonial first pitch at 7:14 p.m.