79-year-old Joe Nuxhall lost his fight with cancer last night. The beloved broadcaster and former pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds had been undergoing chemotherapy since October and was admitted to Mercy Fairfield Hospital on Monday for shortness of breath and a low pulse rate. 

“The Ol’ Left-Hander,” became a radio voice for the Reds in 1967, retiring in 2004 but managed to work a few games while in retirement over the past 3 years. In 1992, Nuxhall underwent surgery for prostate cancer. Last February as Joe prepared for the Reds’ spring training the cancer returned. Yet the determined broadcaster showed his love for his Reds by calling some of the games last season with a leg painfully swollen by tumors. 

Joe Nuxhall became the youngest player to ever play in the Major League when he stepped onto the mound in a Reds’ uniform at the age of 15. After two outs against St. Louis the young pitcher lost his composure and was not able to come up with another out. The Reds sent him to the minors. It would be eight years before Nuxhall would resume his pitching career for the Reds; a career that would eventually send him into the Hall of Fame.

Cincinnati will truely miss him as will the entire baseball world. The Ol Left-Hander has rounded third and is certainly headed for home. We love you Joe.

It’s that time of year again….time to debate the question of Pete Rose’s induction into Baseball’s Hall of Fame. Or can baseball actually call it the Hall of Fame without Pete Rose?

Let’s take a look….

Pete Rose earned the name “Charlie Hustle” because of his determination and the passion he played the game with. After being a part of the league for 24 years, Mr. Hustle owns quite a few records including 4,256 hits, 3,562 games, and 14,053 at bats. He also has in his arsenal three batting titles, 1968, 69 and 73; six World Series appearances – three ending in championships.

He was awarded Rookie of the Year in 1963 and in 1975, was named the World Series Most Valuable Player, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year and The Sporting News Man of the Year. Anyone who knows baseball has certainly heard of “The Big Red Machine.” Rose was one of the most important contributors as the Reds dominated the 70’s.

Pete Rose was banned from the game in 1989 for gambling on baseball. While the action taken by the league was completely appropriate, just when is enough, enough? Rose did so much for the game he has loved and dedicated his life and body to.

So, my stance is probably obvious. The Hall of Fame just isn’t complete without the inclusion of Pete Rose. I understand and do agree he should never be allowed to manage again nor hold any position in professional baseball. However, whither he apologizes or not for the gambling, Charlie Hustle is a Hall of Famer. He was great for the game of baseball. Since Rose’s departure from the game as a player, there has yet to be anyone to have filled the void of his passion and desire. I heard Joe Morgan once say in an interview that if he could impose one wish on a young player coming into the major league, it would be to spend one year with Pete Rose as a teammate.

Of all the great stats and records, the one thing Pete Rose was…was a winner. Let’s hope one day he slides head first into the Hall of Fame.

Bluegrass Lady