The greatest competitor was Bob Gibson. He worked so fast out there and he always had the hood up. He always wanted to close his own deal. He never talked to you because he was battling so hard. I sure as hell don't miss batting against him, but I miss him in the game.

An exception was made to his ban to allow him to participate in the pre-game introduction of the All-Century team before Game 2 of the 1999 World Series between the Braves and Yankees. He would eventually tie Willie Keeler's 1897 single season National League record at 44 games but on August 1 the streak came to an end as Gene Garber of the Atlanta Braves struck out Rose in the ninth inning. He was released on January 7 1991 after having paid $366041 in back taxes and interest and was required to perform 1000 hours of community service.

The issue of Rose's possible re-instatement and election to the Hall of Fame remains a contentious one throughout baseball. Rose played from 1963 to 1986 and managed from 1984 to 1989.