The Dan Patrick Show: The Best of The Dan Patrick Show Release Date: May 14, 2025

Introduction

In this special episode titled "The Best of The Dan Patrick Show," hosts Dan Patrick, Nick Wright, and Hall of Famer Johnny Bench delve deep into one of baseball's most enduring controversies: Pete Rose's potential induction into the Hall of Fame. The conversation also touches upon historical scandals, the Hall of Fame selection process, and comparisons with other notable figures in sports. This summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode, enriched with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

Pete Rose's Ineligibility and Hall of Fame Considerations

The central topic of the episode revolves around Pete Rose’s removal from the permanently ineligible list and the ensuing debate about his eligibility for the Baseball Hall of Fame.

• Pete Rose's Ban Lifted

  • Nick Wright introduces the topic: “[...] Pete Rose taken off the permanently ineligible list [...]” ([25:22]).
  • Dan Patrick provides historical context, comparing Rose’s situation to the 1919 Black Sox scandal: “They threw the World Series. Like that's cheating the game” ([11:09]).

• Discussion on Permanent vs. Lifetime Ban

  • Dan Patrick clarifies the nature of Rose’s ban: “[...] it was a permanently ineligible, not a lifetime ban” ([48:47]).
  • Johnny Bench echoes this clarification and discusses the implications: “A person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game” ([12:40]).

• Committee’s Role and Process

  • Nick Wright explains the Hall of Fame committee's structure and timeline: “They have a historical overview committee [...] not a foregone conclusion” ([16:04]).
  • Johnny Bench discusses the committee’s deliberations and potential candidates: “Shoeless Joe Jackson should go in before Pete Rose does” ([30:07]).

Notable Quotes:

• Dan Patrick [03:07]: “Do I think there's information about that? Yes, I do.”
• Johnny Bench [12:40]: “A person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game.”
• Nick Wright [16:04]: “This committee is made up of former players, former executives, former writers, and historians.”

Comparisons with Historical Scandals and Other Players

• 1919 Black Sox and Other Players

  • Dan Patrick draws parallels between Rose and the Black Sox: “They don't have anything on him as a player” ([11:16]).
  • Nick Wright mentions other players under consideration, like Dick Allen, Tommy John, Dave Parker, and Steve Garvey: “They were voted on by this committee” ([16:04]).

• Steroid Era Comparisons

  • Dan Patrick differentiates Rose’s gambling from the steroid users: “They truly cheated the game, every single game” ([11:32]).
  • Johnny Bench emphasizes the unique situation of Pete Rose compared to steroid users: “Pete is a unique situation” ([30:13]).

Impact of Hall of Fame Induction

• Legacy and Public Perception

  • Nick Wright discusses the potential impact on Rose’s legacy: “Nobody has benefited more from the Hall of Fame without being in the Hall of Fame than Pete Rose” ([16:04]).
  • Dan Patrick envisions how Rose would be honored: “If he were in the Hall of Fame, we don’t bring up his name. But it became a campaign and a crusade” ([30:14]).

• Family and Public Events

  • Nick Wright highlights upcoming events honoring Rose: “Pete Rose Night tonight at Great American Ballpark [...]” ([12:54]).
  • Johnny Bench humorously speculates on the event’s dynamics: “We’ll have him play the White Sox. Oh, so it’s White Sox night” ([13:15]).

Hall of Fame Committee’s Deliberations and Future Steps

• Committee's Upcoming Decisions

  • Nick Wright outlines the timeline: “They won't meet again until December of 2027” ([16:04]).
  • Johnny Bench expresses skepticism about Rose’s immediate induction: “This is not happening anytime soon” ([16:07]).

• Role of Contrition and Apologies

  • Dan Patrick underscores the lack of Rose’s contrition: “He never apologized. He only said that he did it after he was writing a book to make money” ([11:39]).
  • Nick Wright agrees, noting that without an apology, Rose’s case remains weak: “If he had apologized, he would have been in the Hall of Fame” ([30:13]).

Notable Quotes:

• Johnny Bench [30:07]: “Shoeless Joe Jackson should go in before Pete.”
• Nick Wright [54:31]: “This committee is made up of former players, former executives, former writers, and historians.”

Broader Reflections on the Hall of Fame and Integrity in Sports

• Integrity and Rules

  • Dan Patrick emphasizes the importance of upholding rules: “We honor different groups of baseball players... But the rules are the rules” ([55:46]).
  • Johnny Bench reflects on the consequences of cheating: “I don't like the idea of we're just gonna act like these guys didn't exist” ([28:50]).

• Historical Context and Future Implications

  • Nick Wright draws parallels with other sports and figures: “OJ's not pulled out of the Pro Football Hall of Fame” ([28:50]).
  • Johnny Bench discusses the modernization of the Hall of Fame as a museum: “I think the Hall of Fame should be museums” ([28:50]).

Closing Remarks and Future Outlook

• Final Thoughts

  • Dan Patrick sums up the ongoing nature of the debate: “It's up to this committee to decide” ([11:46]).
  • Johnny Bench reiterates that Pete Rose’s induction is not imminent but remains a significant topic: “There’s still a long and winding road here” ([17:05]).

• Looking Ahead

  • The hosts anticipate further discussions and decisions by the committee in 2027, emphasizing the importance of transparency and fairness in honoring baseball’s greats.

Conclusion

"The Best of The Dan Patrick Show" offers an in-depth exploration of Pete Rose's contentious relationship with baseball's Hall of Fame, juxtaposed with historical scandals and the broader implications for the sport's integrity. Through informed discussions and diverse perspectives from hosts and a Hall of Famer, the episode underscores the complexities of balancing legacy, personal misconduct, and institutional rules in sports. As the committee's deliberations continue, the conversation remains a poignant reminder of the enduring debates that shape the legacy of sports figures.

Notable Quotes Overview

• Dan Patrick

  • “[...] the Hall of Fame is maintained that anyone removed from baseball's permanently ineligible list will become eligible [...]” ([11:20]).
  • “Shoeless Joe Jackson, I hit, I think hit .375 in that World Series” ([11:30]).

• Nick Wright

  • “Where are you going to vote for him if you're on this historical committee?” ([30:00]).
  • “This is not happening anytime soon” ([16:07]).

• Johnny Bench

  • “A cheat is a cheater. Someone who does wrong, has done wrong, and that's that” ([28:50]).
  • “I didn’t always like him” referring to Rose’s character ([30:16]).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essence of the episode, providing listeners and non-listeners alike with a clear understanding of the critical discussions surrounding Pete Rose's Hall of Fame prospects and the deeper issues of integrity in sports.