The Hard Rock Casino in Cincinnati will host a roast on June 11. Those participating will not have to strain to come up with material.
That’s because the honoree of “Roasting a Legend” is Pete Rose, baseball’s all-time leader in hits. He has long been banned from Major League Baseball for betting on MLB games while managing the Cincinnati Reds.
In the world of gambling halls, racetracks, and casinos — places he has frequented unabashedly over the years — Rose, now 81, has been embraced. But as mobile sports betting continues to gain mainstream acceptance in the U.S., opinions are still split on Rose.
Especially over whether he should be eligible for the Hall of Fame. That’s not the case in Ohio, or even more so at a casino in Cincinnati, where he placed the first bet in 2021.
Special guests for “Roasting a Legend” will include retired broadcaster Marty Brennaman, as well as Rose’s former Reds teammates, George Foster and Ken Griffey Sr.
Prices and memorabilia packages
Representatives from Hard Rock did not respond to requests for additional details on the event, and Rose was unavailable for comment. But a link to a Ticketmaster sales page on the Hard Rock Casino website shows available tickets for $125 apiece.
According to an article at Cincinnati.com, the memorabilia packages will be available for the event, including autographed items and photos. Rose has been on the autograph and memorabilia circuit for decades, including in spots just outside the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.
On June 11, the “Base Hit package” will get you a signed baseball and photo for $199. The “Home Run package” will bring an autographed bat and photo for $299. Lastly, the “Grand Slam package” will deliver a signed jersey and photo.
