Rob Manfred, MLB release statement on decision to remove Pete Rose, Joe Jackson from permanently ineligible list

After announcing that Pete Rose and “Shoeless” Joe Jackson, among others, have been removed from the MLB’s banned list, Major League Baseball also clarified a key ruling. It outlines specific handling for players following their deaths.

In short, dead players will no longer be recognized by MLB on the banned list. The organization wrote a letter to the family and attorney of Pete Rose, then disseminated in a press release:

“The question of whether an individual should remain on the permanently ineligible list after his death has never been formally addressed by Major League Baseball,” part of the letter read.

“Indeed, Mr. Rose is the first person banned by a Commissioner other than Kenesaw Mountain Landis to die while still on the ineligible list. As such, it is incumbent upon the Office of the Commissioner to reach a policy decision regarding this unprecedented issue in the modern era.”

The ruling was issued in response to a petition from the family of Pete Rose. It addressed the status of 17 individuals who passed away while on the permanently ineligible list.

As far as practical implications from the ruling go, the players removed from the list are now eligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame. Many think Pete Rose could shortly earn a trip there.

In a letter to Jeffery Lenkov, an attorney who petitioned for Rose to be removed from the banned list in January, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred explained his stance that lifetime bans end when players pass away. He also confirmed Rose – who died in September 2024 – will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.

“Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game,” Manfred wrote. “Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve.

“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.”

On3’s Nick Schultz also contributed to this report.