When I get the record, all it will make me is the player with the most hits. I'm also the player with the most at bats and the most outs. I never said I was a greater player than Cobb.

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.