Major League Baseball

Pearl Jam's Vedder: 'It's an injustice' Rose isn't in the Hall

Published Oct. 2, 2014 12:45 p.m. ET

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Connor Kiesel

Pearl Jam lead singer Eddie Vedder not only rocked out at a show in Cincinnati Wednesday -- but also campaigned for Reds legend Pete Rose's inclusion in Cooperstown.

"It may not be as important as stopping a war or doing other things, but still it's an injustice, and the only way to make it right is to put Pete Rose into the Hall of Fame," Vedder told the sold-out crowd at U.S. Bank Arena.

Vedder noted he "may be biased" after joining Rose and other former Reds, including FOX Sports Ohio's Chris Welsh, for dinner. The rock legend Vedder is a baseball fan (he once led a chant for Raul Ibanez at a Philly concert when Ibanez was on the Phillies) and when in Cincinnati, what better way to make a statement than talk Rose?

The subject of Rose's lifetime ban is one that gets bandied about each and every year. It's come under the spotlight this season with Rose managing a game for an Atlantic League team, batting in a minor-league game and as a result of Bud Selig being in his final season as MLB commissioner.

Selig has given some hope to the Rose supporters, saying in late August he had "five months to think about" reinstating the all-time hits leader. The commish also said Rose could play a role in next season's All-Star Game with Cincinnati hosting the festivities.

Rose has been banned from baseball for the last 25 years for betting on games.

Another baseball legend, Mike Schmidt, penned a first-person piece for The Associated Press, saying it's "time to answer the question" of Rose's possible Hall of Fame inclusion. Former Cy Young winner Bret Saberhagen has gone a step further, adamantly voicing his support for Rose.

(h/t Cincinnati.com)

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