Episode 683 - Pete Rose - Part Two

Release Date: May 13, 2025

Hosts: Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds from "The Dollop" podcast

Introduction to Pete Rose and Episode Context

In this episode, Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds continue their exploration of Pete Rose's complex life and career. Building on the foundation established in part one, the hosts delve deeper into Rose's personal struggles, his relentless drive on the baseball field, and the controversies that have marred his legacy.

Pete Rose's Career Ascendancy

The episode kicks off with a discussion of Rose's significant achievements during the late 1970s. After winning his first World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in spring 1977 (03:24), Rose's performance elevated him to legendary status. His dedication in the playoffs, culminating in consecutive championships against the Boston Red Sox, marked the peak of his career.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony: "Spring 1977 Spring Training, Pete Rose has just won their first World Series against the Boston Red Sox. It's big. It's big."
03:24

Personal Life Turmoil and Scandals

Rose's personal life becomes a focal point as the hosts reveal his extramarital affairs and the birth of his illegitimate daughter, Morgan Rubio (03:35). Rose's relationship with Terry Rubio, a cocktail waitress, introduces a web of deceit and emotional strain. The arrangement Rose purportedly had with his wife Carolyn, allowing him to pursue affairs, is scrutinized, highlighting the lack of transparency and mutual respect in his relationships.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Reynolds: "You also, you forget that for all the people who complain when you drink water doing podcasts for a long time, there are these people who really are turned on by it."
01:08

The Hitting Streak and Its Downfall

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Rose's quest to break Joe DiMaggio's legendary 56-game hitting streak. By the time Rose achieves a 44-game streak against the Braves (19:53), the nation is abuzz with excitement. However, his attempt to break the record ends abruptly when Braves' closer Gene Garber outsmarts him with an unconventional pitching strategy (24:42).

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony: "He swings too soon. And Garber jumps up and does a massive fist pump. He took out the mighty Pete Rose. He ended the streak."
24:42

Marge Schott and Team Management Conflicts

Marge Schott, the controversial part-owner of the Reds, plays a pivotal role in Rose's career trajectory. Her abrasive management style and insensitive remarks (56:17) create a toxic environment that clashes with Rose's ambitions. The hosts discuss how Schott's decisions, including firing GM Dick Wagner, aim to revive the team's fortunes but also contribute to internal strife.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony: "Marge had deep Cincinnati roots... In Marge's parlance, Jewish people were sneaky Jew bastards. Asian people were Japs, black athletes were million dollar n words."
56:17

Transition to Coaching and Escalating Gambling Issues

As Rose transitions into a player-manager role, his performance paradoxically improves on the field (58:41). However, his personal life deteriorates as his gambling debts spiral out of control. Rose's association with illicit bookies and his involvement in steroid use (70:14) paint a picture of a man increasingly consumed by vices that undermine his professional and personal stability.

Notable Quote:

Dave Anthony: "He's trying to make everything interesting... His gambling is getting way worse... It's all because he simply would not pay people when he didn't feel like paying them."
59:26

The Rhode Island Mob and Legal Troubles

Rose's deepening entanglement with organized crime introduces a perilous element to his downfall. The Skin Man from the Dayton Syndicate becomes a menacing figure demanding repayment of Rose's gambling debts (60:16). This liaison not only threatens Rose's career but also his freedom, escalating the stakes as law enforcement begins to close in on mob activities within sports betting.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Reynolds: "Our decision making is a little off on this one."
71:25

The Final Hitting Milestone and Emotional Climax

On September 11, 1985, Rose achieves his monumental 4,192nd hit, breaking Ty Cobb's all-time record (74:06). The celebration is intense, with a standing ovation from a packed stadium. However, the moment of triumph is bittersweet as Rose grapples with personal vulnerabilities, leading to a poignant father-son interaction with his son, Pete Jr., symbolizing a brief respite from his chaotic life.

Notable Quote:

Pete Jr.: "I've never experienced that. My first father-son moment."
74:49

Conclusion and Legacy Reflection

The episode concludes by reflecting on Rose's dual legacy as both a baseball legend and a figure mired in controversy. The hosts emphasize the lessons learned from Rose's life—how excessive ambition and personal failings can overshadow professional accomplishments. Rose's story serves as a cautionary tale about the costs of unchecked vices and the complexities of idolizing flawed individuals.

Notable Quote:

Gareth Reynolds: "Everything about. But they're just. Now it's like, all right, Carolyn, this is what you get for marrying a perfect man."
44:03

This second part of Pete Rose's saga meticulously unpacks the intertwined dynamics of his athletic excellence and personal degradation. Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds offer a compelling narrative that not only chronicles Rose's rise and fall but also invites listeners to ponder the broader implications of fame, accountability, and the human cost of greatness.

Timestamps

• [03:24] Introduction to Pete Rose's first World Series win.
• [01:08] Discussion on personal dynamics and relationships.
• [19:53] Pete Rose's hitting streak reaching 44 games.
• [24:42] The end of Rose's hitting streak by Gene Garber.
• [56:17] Marge Schott's controversial remarks.
• [58:41] Transition to Rose's role as player-manager.
• [70:14] Rose's involvement with steroids and gambling.
• [60:16] Interaction with the Rhode Island Mob.
• [74:06] Pete Rose breaks Ty Cobb's hitting record.
• [74:49] Emotional moment between Rose and his son.
• [44:03] Reflection on Rose's impact on his wife Carolyn.

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