📖 Overview
Pete Rose tells his life story and career in baseball, from his early days growing up in Cincinnati through his years as a player and manager. The autobiography covers his path to becoming MLB's all-time hits leader and his experiences with the Cincinnati Reds and Philadelphia Phillies.
Rose recounts the key games, teammates, and moments that defined his time in baseball, including the Big Red Machine era and his pursuit of Ty Cobb's hitting record. He shares insights about his approach to the game, training methods, and relationships with other baseball figures.
The book addresses the gambling investigation that led to his permanent ineligibility from baseball, presenting Rose's perspective on the events and their aftermath. His account includes details about the proceedings, his interactions with baseball officials, and the impact on his life and career.
This memoir explores themes of ambition, competition, and the price of success in professional sports. The narrative raises questions about redemption and legacy in baseball while documenting a significant chapter in the sport's history.
👀 Reviews
Readers found Rose's baseball stories engaging but noted his defensiveness about the gambling scandal. Many appreciated the behind-the-scenes MLB details and Rose's candid writing style about his playing career, particularly stories from the Big Red Machine era.
Likes:
- Detailed accounts of memorable games and teammates
- First-hand perspective on 1970s baseball culture
- Humor and storytelling ability
- Baseball strategy insights
Dislikes:
- Evasive handling of gambling accusations
- Self-serving tone when discussing controversies
- Lack of accountability or remorse
- Too much focus on defending his actions
Ratings:
Goodreads: 3.8/5 (1,288 ratings)
Amazon: 4.3/5 (167 ratings)
One reader noted: "Great baseball stories but he still can't admit his mistakes." Another wrote: "The baseball parts are fascinating, but he comes across as bitter and unrepentant about betting on games."
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🤔 Interesting facts
🌟 Pete Rose wrote this autobiography while serving a 5-month prison sentence for tax evasion in 1990.
⚾ The book details Rose's historic 4,192nd hit that broke Ty Cobb's all-time hits record, which occurred on September 11, 1985, at Cincinnati's Riverfront Stadium.
💥 Rose addresses the gambling allegations that led to his permanent ban from baseball in 1989, though he denied betting on baseball in this book (he later admitted to it in his 2004 book, "My Prison Without Bars").
🏆 The autobiography covers Rose's illustrious 24-year playing career, including his 17 All-Star selections and three World Series championships.
📚 Co-author Roger Kahn was already a celebrated baseball writer when he collaborated with Rose, having written the classic "The Boys of Summer" about the Brooklyn Dodgers.