Who Was Pete Rose? 5 Things About the Late Controversial Reds Manager

The late Reds manager and player was embroiled in controversy for years before admitting that he gambled. Learn more about Pete, here.

Pete Rose was known for his gambling controversy and his record-breaking batting average while playing for the Cincinnati Reds. But on the field, he is remembered for his skillful management of the team. After news broke of Rose’s death in September 2024, the Reds’ owner, Bob Castellini, credited Rose for his personality and his love for the game.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news of Pete’s passing,” Castellini said in a statement, which the Reds shared via X (formerly known as Twitter). “He was one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen, and every team he played for was better because of him. Pete was a Red through and through. No one loved the game more than Pete and no one loved Pete more than Reds Country. We must never forget what he accomplished.”

Hollywood Life has rounded up five facts about Pete Rose, below.

Pete Was an MLB Player

Rose got his start as a Major League Baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds in 1963. In 1978, the switch hitter went on to play for the Philadelphia Phillies followed by the Montreal Expos. However, in 1984, Rose returned to Cincinnati.

He Was Also an MLB Manager

After playing for the Reds for a second round, Rose worked as the team’s manager until 1989 — when he was accused of gambling and betting on his own team.

Pete Admitted to Gambling

In the early 2000s, Rose admitted that he had gambled during his years working for the MLB. Per ESPN, he said in 2007 that he would “bet on [his] team to win every night because [he loves his] team” and believed in them.

“I did everything in my power every night to win that game,” he added during his ESPN Radio interview at the time. “I made a big mistake. It’s my fault, It’s nobody’s else’s fault.”

Why Pete Is Not in the MLB Hall of Fame

After he was accused of gambling, the MLB Hall of Fame made Rose ineligible for induction.

He Is Married With Children

Rose married his first wife, Karolyn Englehardt, in 1964, and they share children Fawn and Pete Jr. Rose and Englehardt divorced in 1980. In 1984, Rose married his second wife, Carol J. Woliung, and they share son Tyler and daughter Cara together. The now-ex-spouses split in 2011. The former MLB manager also has a daughter named Megan Erin Rubio, whom he shares with another woman.