Pete Rose posed with Reds legends, signed autographs day before death

Pete Rose posed with Reds legends, signed autographs day before death

Pete Rose seemingly enjoyed a reunion with fellow members of the “Big Red Machine” at an autograph show in Franklin, Tenn., on Sunday.

The Cincinnati Reds legend, who was part of the Reds teams that won consecutive World Series championships in 1975 and 1976, died at his home in Las Vegas on Monday. He was 83.

Rose, who was in a wheelchair, was seen with his former Reds teammates Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez and Ken Griffey Sr. in a photo posted on the Facebook page for the Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show.

(L-R) Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez, Ken Griffey Sr., and Pete Rose, who was in a wheelchair, at the Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show in Franklin, Tenn., on Sept. 29, 2024. Rose died the next day. Facebook/Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show

“Sharing this photo from yesterday in the back room for everyone to see as the BIG RED MACHINE got together at Music City 2024. Amazing that they all got to see each other one last time,” the caption read.

The former MLB stars were part of “The Great Eight” for the Reds during their 1970s dominance.

Explore More


Pete Rose signing autographs at the Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show in Franklin, Tennessee on Sept. 29, 2024. Facebook/Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show

They signed autographs at the event, according to a schedule posted on their website.

In a separate video, Rose smiled when someone asked him about his favorite gas station snacks.

“What do you get in the gas station? Chips? Candy bar? Cookies?” the person said.

“Yes!” Rose said while signing an autograph.

Rose was found dead at his home by a family member, according to the medical examiner in Clark County, Nev., who told ABC News there were no signs of foul play.


[embedded content]

Pete Rose during a Reds game as player/manager in 1989. Glenn Hartong / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

A cause of death is still under investigation.

The medical examiner added that Rose was not under the care of a doctor when he died.

In 2018, Rose said his health was “deteriorating” in a court filing tied to his public divorce from his estranged ex-wife, Carol Rose.

“[Rose] is currently disabled and can barely walk or travel,” Rose said in the filing, which was obtained by TMZ Sports. He was 77 at the time.

Cincinnati Reds legend Pete Rose speaks during a pregame ceremony for the unveiling of his bronze statue outside the stadium before a game against the Dodgers at Great American Ball Park in downtown Cincinnati on June 17, 2017. Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

“His health is deteriorating and has a heart condition and on blood thinners.”

Rose added, “I am in poor health and disabled … and have trouble walking.”

At the time, TMZ said he had undergone three heart procedures in five years.

Rose also said he had “great debts” and that he lost two jobs in 2017.

Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, was banned for life from MLB for betting on his own team in 1989.

As a result, he was never inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

Rose was the 1963 Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP, a three-time World Series champion, 17-time MLB All-Star and two-time Gold Glove winner.

He is survived by his four children.

Rose reportedly was in a long-term relationship with model Kiana Kim since 2011.