BREAKING: The FBI has just released 130 pages of documents detailing the gambling connections of Pete Rose, Major League Baseball’s all-time hits leader, who faced a lifetime ban for betting on baseball. These documents focus on Rose’s late bookie, Ronald Peters, and a mid-1980s investigation into his operations, revealing new insights into Rose’s gambling history.
This development comes at a critical time as it sheds more light on Rose’s controversial past. The documents, made public after Rose’s death on September 30, 2024, follow standard FBI protocol for deceased individuals, although many names within the files have been redacted.
Among the newly revealed information is a 1987 memo that indicates Rose once owed Peters $90,000 in sports betting losses. Law enforcement in Franklin, Ohio, reported seeing Rose frequently entering Peters’ establishment, known as “Jonathan’s,” through a private entrance. This revelation raises questions about the extent of Rose’s involvement in illegal betting activities.
While the documents do not explicitly mention Rose betting on baseball—something he later admitted to—details from interviews suggest he placed substantial bets on football, basketball, and horse racing, typically wagering between $1,000 and $2,000 per game. One unnamed source claimed Rose bet on as many as 10 football games each weekend.
The release also highlights the FBI’s investigative efforts, including requests for subpoenas related to phone records and surveillance connected to Peters. It remains unclear if these requests involved Rose directly.
Historically, Rose was banned from MLB in 1989 following an investigation that confirmed his betting on games while still an active player. Earlier this year, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred lifted Rose’s permanent ineligibility status, paving the way for potential Hall of Fame induction, a topic that continues to spark debate.
As fans and sports analysts digest this new information, the implications for Rose’s legacy and MLB’s policies on gambling remain significant. The public is left wondering if the FBI will release more documents related to Rose in the future, adding further complexity to an already controversial figure in sports history.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
