HBO Max recently released a four-part series, Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose. The documentary explores the rise and fall of the baseball legend.

I idolized Rose during my childhood as one of MLB’s greatest players. The 1963 Rookie of the Year became the 1973 Most Valuable Player. He earned three National League batting titles, setting records for hits and games-played. His dedicated work ethic earned him the nickname, Charlie Hustle.

The athlete’s intense play showed no mercy. He collided full-speed with American League catcher, Ray Fosse, to score the winning run in the 1970 All-Star Game. Fosse recovered from his injuries but never regained his previous prowess.

Rose set a National League record in 1978, hitting safely in 44 consecutive games. The streak ended at Fulton County Stadium when Gene Garber struck out Rose in the 9^th inning. The Red whined in a post-game interview that Garber pitched to him like it was a World Series game—a strange comment from a man called Charlie Hustle.

Rose coached for Cincinnati after retiring as a player. Rumors of gambling on his own team surfaced in the late 1980s. Witnesses claimed he even placed bets from the Reds’ clubhouse. He denied the charges but accepted a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989. The following year he served five months for tax evasion.

His 2004 autobiography, Pete Rose: My Prison without Bars, offered a qualified confession. He finally admitted to betting on the Reds after fourteen years of false denials. The former coach justified his actions by claiming he only bet on the team to win.

Rose wants the MLB to reinstate him in order to be admitted into the Hall of Fame. The HBO Max series represents yet another attempt to rehabilitate his reputation; but his words and attitude suggest he remains unrepentant. Former teammate, Joe Morgan, said, I know I haven’t seen a genuine apology from Rose yet. Nor have I seen any contrition.

Pete Rose doesn’t seem to understand basic principles taught to children. Take responsibility Don’t lie. Admit mistakes. Say, I’m sorry. Repentance comes from the heart and informs actions. Even forgiven people deal with consequences.

Charlie Hustle & the Case of Pete Rose does not change this baseball fan’s mind. Keep the bum out!