The Commuter: Switch-hitting Rose OK for Hall; ‘switch-hitting’ Shoeless Joe just wrong The Commuter: Todd R. Hansen Pete Rose turned 80 this past week, and the ever-charismatic, ever-controversial figure had plenty to say when asked about his lot in life. Mostly, he seems to have come to terms with his mistakes, and the likelihood he will never be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. So he reasons, I suppose, why not pick baseball games for a Mexico-based gambling organization? He’s not betting on baseball, mind you, he’s just helping others who do. I cannot remember when I was not a fan of Pete Rose, and yes, I think he should be in the Hall of Fame for what he did on the baseball field. I do not think he should be allowed to have an official, active role in the game.