CINCINNATI

It would have been wrong of me to write about anything 'Cincinnati' this weekend except Peter Edward  Rose.  It is Pete Rose Weekend in Cincinnati.  The Reds major league hits leader known as Charlie Hustle.

Pete was bred, born, raised, matured, excelled, idolized and criminalized right here in Cincinnati.  I'm sure he would have changed a thing or two along the way - you can bet on that.  Nevertheless, he is now immortalized with a bronze statue near the main entrance to the Reds stadium, Great American Ball Park.

Pete is four years older than me.  He made it to the majors the year I graduated from high school.  I distinctly remember that the feeling back then was that he was not really good enough for the big leagues; that he was getting a chance because of his dad and who he knew in the organization.  How wrong that feeling was.

Pete is a testament to hard work and determination.   There are not too many better qualities you could find in a person who works for you.  I think that's what this Pete Rose thing is all about.





HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, DEAR.