William Kelly alerted me to the latest Rob Neyer column, which has its most interesting material at the bottom:
Pete Rose has a new book coming out next month. Jan. 8, to be precise. Now, you might ask, “Why Jan. 8? Wouldn’t the publisher want the book out before Christmas?” On Tuesday, somebody asked me that exactly.
I gave a vague answer. Then I looked at my calendar, and it all became very clear to me.
Rose’s publisher has embargoed the book, releasing absolutely nothing to anybody before the official “pub date.” This is extremely unusual. Publishers generally send out scads of review copies weeks or even months before publication, to generate publicity. Even when they hold the review copies, in the case of a book that’s got some surprises, those surprises are leaked in some fashion; again, for the sake of publicity. But as far as I know, nobody’s seen this book except the publishers (Rodale Press).
Why so hush-hush? And why Jan. 8? Like I said, it all made sense when I looked at my calendar. Rose wouldn’t be publishing a book unless he’d cleared the contents and its publication date with the Commissioner’s Office. I’ll bet dollars to doughnuts that Rose will finally admit that he did wrong, that he did bet on baseball and he’s really, really sorry. Really.
Mark your calendars.
Note also that the Hall of Fame’s website says it will announce new inductees January 6.
Coincidence? Rose knows well that the HOF announcement produces an annual flurry of interest in his (largely but not entirely self-induced) plight.
Exactly. Something that Neyer actually goes on to mention in his article.
Man, I am SO sick of this story.
Didn’t you go on ESPN and talk about this story in August?
Pete, whontcha please just go away! You weren’t that good of a player, anyway…
I totally agree with Will. I don’t want him to be allowed in the Hall. I’m sick of hearing about him. That said, I may have to buy the book!
Am I the only one here that thinks Rose belongs in the HOF? I hope not.
It always amazes me that some people will downplay topics like the use of illegal substances in MLB isn’t THAT bad, no worries if the players are cheating by using these substances. And topics like the MLBPA stepping in and treading all over the A-Rod deal. Things that actually affect the game today.
But then you bring up the Pete Rose saga, and granted he’s no saint, and people are completely appalled that the thought of him being reinstated is the end of baseball and it would be a travesty.
The story will continue every year, because it’s always good for debating. This topic reminds me of the Capital Punishment/Abortion argument between political entities. It seems to be that passionate amongst fans and everyone in the MLB universe.
It won’t be the end of baseball if he’s inducted and reinstated, as he should be, in my very humble opinion. The story is here to stay until something changes. Even then, it will still be a story if he is reinstated and inducted. The story will just change to “He shouldn’t have been allowed in the HOF”.