For nearly 20 years, card collectors have waited for a trading card manufacturer to include Pete Rose in a major release. It took the return of Sportkings to make it possible. Sportkings and Pete Rose. Two legends unite in the most exciting trading card release in years. Here are the facts that all collectors need to know.
· 1989, is the last time Pete Rose appeared in a major trading card release
· 1986, is the last time Pete Rose had autographed cards in a release
· Never, has Pete Rose had a game-used memorabilia card
All that is about to change in Sportkings Series A.
Pete Rose is undeniably a phenomenal talent who impacted the game of baseball through three decades. Known to fans as baseball's all-time leader in hits, he was a hero to millions due to the consistency and passion he brought to playing the game every day.
Rose's resume is loaded with an amazing array of on-field accomplishments and few players could come close to matching his longevity in the sport. His career began with the Cincinnati Reds in 1963 where he was named the National League's Rookie of the Year. Two years later, he began his path to stardom with his first of 15 seasons in which he would bat over .300.
Pete Rose Base Card
A key cog in Cincinnati's "Big Red Machine", Rose's drive resulted in four National League pennants for the Reds and two World Series titles. The 1975 recipient of the National League's Most Valuable Player honors, he joined the Philadelphia Phillies in 1979 and won another World Series a year later. He joined the Montreal Expos in 1984 but returned to Cincinnati mid-way through that year to act as a playing manager.
In this new role, Rose secured his place in sports history by breaking Ty Cobb's record for most career hits as he reached base safely for the 4,192nd time. He would retire from active play at the end of the 1986 campaign and stayed on as manager until the end of the 1988 season. It was around this time that he was investigated for gambling allegations that ultimately resulted in the sport banning him for life.
Pete Rose Sportkings Autograph Card
Despite Major League Baseball's stance on Rose's transgressions and a retirement filled with controversial moments, there is ultimately nothing that can take away from his achievements on the field. There is a lot of debate as to whether or not he should be reinstated and allowed into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Collectors of sports memorabilia still have a soft spot in their hearts for "Charlie Hustle" and his signed items are always strong sellers. Rose's absence from the card market over the past 20 years has created a consistent demand for his cards.
"A tribute to Pete Rose is long overdue," said Sport Kings LP President Dr. Brian H. Price. "It's only fitting that a player of his stature would appear in our premier release."
Not only will collectors be able to obtain a card of Rose in packs of Sportkings, but they will also have a chance to obtain certified autographs and game-used memorabilia cards. Collectors have waited far too long and finally the wait is over.
Pete Rose Hats Off Memorabilia Card
The Sportkings name goes back to 1934 and is one of the most popular trading card releases of all time. The original release contained athletes from a variety of sports and the new product will capture the spirit of the landmark set with some of the greatest athletes in the history of sports. Does Rose deserve to take his spot among the greatest athletes? Certainly, but it is sure to generate a lot of discussion among collectors and dealers who are eagerly awaiting their chance to find one of their heroes in a pack of cards once again.
