Mr Pete’s WowMe is actually a reflection on a man who shares his name. The announcement of Pete Rose’s reinstatement stimulates a ponderable. Read on! -the editor
His Inner Demons whispered in his Head,
“You can’t face the Storm”
The Restless Warrior just SMILED & LAUGHED,
“I AM THE STORM”
My first heroes from my childhood tended to be professional sports athletes. My Warrior Spirit felt a unique bond to those I shared a first name with, such as Pete “Pistol” Maravich, the basketball player and of course, Pete Rose (AKA Charlie Hustle) the baseball player.
Back in those days, city youth were known to play stickball in their urban environments. In suburbia, the game was Wiffle Ball. I channeled my inner Pete Rose playing with my Pete Rose wiffle ball while my sister sibling channeled her Johnny Bench. Those were the days, but I digress. Back to my namesake…
Becoming Charlie Hustle…
In a story that was told to me by my friend Craig, (that I was able to verify on the Internet). Pete Rose was blessed/cursed with the nickname “Charlie Hustle” during Spring Training 1963. New York Yankees players Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford were poking fun of Rose’s aggressive style of play.
Their sarcastic remarks soon became Rose’s trademark, a statement of professionalism commitment and passion for the sport.
[Click for Pete Rose head first slides.]
You have to agree that I was kind of known for being aggressive,” said Rose. “Part of being aggressive is sliding head first. I started sliding head first when I was nine years old.
Pete Rose played Major League Baseball for 25 years, from 1961 to 1986. He was a major part of the “BIG RED MACHINE” (Johnny Bench, Tony Perez, Joe Morgan)
playing for the Cincinnati Reds (1963–1978). The Reds won two back to back World Series (1975 and 1976).
Phillies yeah!
Rose came to Philly in 1979 and called Veterans Stadium home for five seasons until 1983, where he helped the franchise win its first World Series in 1980.
“As one of the greatest players in the history of the game, Pete made significant on-field contributions to the Phillies over his five seasons (1979-83) with the club, highlighted by our first World Series title in 1980,” the Phillies said in a statement.
Next up, This restless warrior accepted the challenge of managing the Cincinnati Reds for five seasons 1984-1989. In the beginning, he was a player/manager.
Pete’s Visit to The Dark Side…
There was, of course, the dark side which has garnered plenty of ink and pretty much sucked the life out of the room in regards to Pete Rose.
He battled some enormous dragons and his batting average was not so good. I get it. The league did what it had to do, for the integrity of the game. And gratefully, the league is doing what’s right for the game now that Rose has passed.
“In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. 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.” —Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred
Let’s drill down on that phrase: “…threat to the integrity of the game…
My namesake, Pete could be considered a poster child for both sides of the Force. Perhaps a PSA (Public Service Announcement) for the need to forgive, move on, and move forward proactively taking a day at a time to be a better person.
Play with enthusiasm [check]
…with moderation [double check]
Find happiness from within [check]
…avoid quick fixes for happiness [double check]
Always… Step back (pause) before racing forward. [check]
…Puts you in the moment and keeps you from being swept away.[double check]
For a while there, Pete Rose was swept away. Heightened awareness of the dragons he battled can help all of us as we move through life.
That’s a Wrap!
‘Nuff said. Welcome back Pete!
Thanks for reading and pondering with me (us). —Mr Pete (and Annie)
About Mr Pete
A music aficionado, Mr. Pete’s mind and ears have no horizons. He has the uncanny ability to suss out the right song for the right time — a skill that is truly amazing. The Gang here at Jedemi enjoys his contributions.
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