Los Angeles attorney wins posthumous reinstatement of Pete Rose, opening door to Hall of Fame

Los Angeles attorney Jeffrey M. Lenkov has accomplished what generations of advocates could not--persuading Major League Baseball to lift its lifetime ban on Pete Rose, posthumously clearing the way for his Hall of Fame consideration.

Lenkov, who leads multiple practice areas at Zelms Erlich Lenkov LLP, spearheaded a years-long effort that culminated in a historic decision by MLB Commissioner Robert D. Manfred Jr. to end permanent ineligibility upon death. The policy change affects not only Rose, who died eight months ago at age 83, but also 17 other deceased individuals previously banned from the game, including members of the infamous 1919 Chicago "Black Sox."

"This process took years, countless conversations, pleas, and negotiations," Lenkov said. "Certainly, having a POTUS who was a big Pete Rose fan and big baseball fan accentuated the need for the commissioner to resolve the issue once and for all."

In a formal letter to Lenkov, Manfred outlined the rationale behind the decision:

"In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase 'permanently ineligible' should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21," he wrote. "In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list."

The decision announced Tuesday afternoon, one day before the Cincinnati Reds' Pete Rose Night, followed an application submitted by Rose's family and a private meeting between Lenkov and Manfred.

"We discussed Pete's profound impact on the game, the importance of second chances and redemption, and how the entire family endured this difficult journey alongside him," said Lenkov, who emphasized the emotional toll and persistence required to reach this outcome.

"Joy and relief are what we're all feeling. We maintained hope throughout this process, despite the significant negative energy from various outside forces," he added.

Although President Donald J. Trump has expressed support for Rose and explored the possibility of a posthumous pardon, MLB maintained that its decision was made independently. Trump had discussed the matter with Manfred during an April meeting at the White House.

In his letter, Manfred noted that Rose was the first person since the era of Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis to die while still on the ineligible list. He said this unprecedented scenario warranted review and concluded that a deceased person no longer threatens the integrity of the game.

Manfred reaffirmed that the original ban, part of a 1989 settlement, was consistent with then-Commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti's expectations. However, Giamatti's son, Marcus Giamatti, publicly condemned the reversal, accusing MLB of undermining his father's legacy and failing to consult the family.

"There is absolutely no peril whatsoever," Lenkov said in response. "What more powerful deterrent could exist than suffering a lifetime ban and bearing the scarlet letter of banishment until one's final day."

While the decision removes a major hurdle, it does not guarantee induction into the Hall of Fame.

Under rules adopted in 1991, individuals on the permanently ineligible list were barred from consideration. With that list now revised, Rose and others--like "Shoeless" Joe Jackson--become eligible for review.

Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark confirmed that the earliest they could be inducted would be 2028, when the Classic Baseball Era Committee next convenes. Candidates must earn at least 75% of the 16-member committee's vote for election.

"The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from baseball's permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration," Forbes Clark said in a statement. "Major League Baseball's decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered. 

Rose's on-field accomplishments remain among the most celebrated in MLB history. He holds all-time records for hits, games played, at-bats, plate appearances, and singles. Despite his achievements, repeated attempts at reinstatement had failed--until now.

"Pete Rose had many opportunities the last few years to present a credible case, but he often mishandled the approach," Lenkov said. "One example opportunity missed was in 2015, I was not his counsel for that petition."

Jackson, who batted .356 over his career, remains a legendary yet controversial figure due to his alleged involvement in the 1919 World Series scandal. Though he died in 1951, his legacy lives on, notably in the film Field of Dreams.

Rose's past legal troubles also lingered over his reputation. He pleaded guilty to tax evasion in 1990, served five months in federal prison, and was fined for unreported income between 1984 and 1987.

MLB's updated policy reflects a shift in how the league interprets punishment and legacy, especially once a player's life has ended. The move marks a significant victory not only for Rose's family and fans but also for Lenkov, who succeeded where many had failed.