Pete Rose, Reds great and MLB hit king, passes away

CINCINNATI (WXIX) - Pete Rose, the colorful and controversial Cincinnati native who became one of the game’s greatest players with his hometown Cincinnati Reds, has died.

Rose’s agent, Ryan Fiterman, confirmed his death to FOX19 NOW Sports Director Joe Danneman on Monday.

He was 83.

According to ABC News, the medical examiner in Clark County, Nev., said Rose was found by a family member.

The Cincinnati Reds released a statement on Rose’s death, giving condolences to his family, friends and teammates.

“Our hearts are deeply saddened by the news or Pete’s passing,” Reds principal owner Bob Castellini said. “He was one of the fiercest competitors the game has ever seen and every team he played for was better because of him.

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“Pete was a Red through and through. No one loved the game more than Pete and no one loved Pete more than Reds Country. We must never forget what he accomplished.”

MLB posted a statement on Rose’s death on social media.

“Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Rose’s family, his friends across the game and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Montreal and beyond who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace.”

Rose, baseball’s all-time hit leader, was 83 years old.

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