Commissioner Rob Manfred has revised MLB's approach to the ineligible list, stating that permanent ineligibility ends upon an individual's death. This policy change, first requested by Pete Rose's family, acknowledges that deceased individuals cannot harm the sport's integrity. Manfred justified his decision by emphasizing the deterrent effect of a lifetime ban, noting that once a person has passed away, the reasons for their ban no longer apply. Rose, banned in 1989 due to betting on baseball, passed away last September, allowing for this significant policy shift.
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.
Furthermore, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve.
In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase 'permanently ineligible' should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21.
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.
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