Loading ...For years (decades now) I’ve read countless times how Pete Rose should not have crashed into catcher Ray Fosse in order to score the winning run of the 1970 All-Star game. After all, many say, the All-Star game is only an exhibition game.
If so, why was Fosse blocking the plate? Shouldn’t Fosse have just waved Rose to the plate?
When a catcher blocks the plate and gives the runner no opportunity to slide, he must expect to be bowled over. And this goes in spades for someone like Charley Hustle.
I’ve looked at this collision many times and it is the by-product of Fosse’s positioning. I think Fosse clearly intended to put his body between Rose and the winning run and this is what happens in baseball. It’s a shame that Fosse was injured but catching is a tough role to play on the diamond.
I’ve gone back and forth on the issue, but I think reality is that during the ‘heat of the moment’, with a sold out crowd, national coverage, and playing with the best of the best; coupled with instinctual behavior, I don’t know if he could have done anything different. It’s the type of baseball fans tuned in to see.
I have also heard some differing stories on just how bad the hit affected the rest of Fosse’s career.
Actually, Reggie Jackson did much more to end Fosse’s career than Rose ever did.
Coincidentally, when Pete was sentenced to Federal prison he was sent to Marion, Illinois, which is Ray Fosse’s hometown.
My feelings are don’t play if your are not going to play to win. Both guys were playing to win that game, Fosse blocking, Rose bowling him over. It’s a play that is going to happen in baseball, sure it stinks his career wasn’t ever the same but you have to play to win.