Without question, Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson are two of the greatest Major League Baseball (MLB) players to ever step on a baseball field. Their careers filled with glorious achievements and unforgettable moments.

Both players left an indelible mark with MLB fans worldwide, but despite their on-field accomplishments, neither of these legends has been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. While they are united in their exclusion, their stories are distinct, each with their own set of circumstances and controversies that have kept them from baseball's highest honor.

​Shoeless Joe Jackson: A Batting Legend
​Shoeless Joe Jackson was one of the most feared hitters of his era. His unique ability to hit for both power and average made him a superstar long before the concept of modern baseball stardom.

The Scandal: Despite his undeniable talent, Shoeless Joe Jackson was banned from baseball for his alleged involvement in the 1919 Black Sox Scandal, where eight members of the Chicago White Sox were accused of conspiring to throw the World Series. While Jackson was one of the banned players, many believe he was not an active participant in the conspiracy. Jackson's statistical performance in the series and his claim that he never agreed to throw the games have left his legacy clouded by doubt.

Joe Jackson never admitted to wrongdoing, and in fact, he was acquitted in court. However, MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis banned him for life, a decision that has kept him out of the Hall of Fame.

Pete Rose: The All-Time Hits King
Pete Rose, nicknamed “Charlie Hustle,” is widely regarded as one of the most relentless competitors in the history of baseball. His ability to rack up hits and hustle on every play earned him a place among the game's all-time greats.

Rose’s career was defined by his versatility and unparalleled competitiveness. Whether he was sliding headfirst into third base or chasing down a hit, Rose was always in the thick of the action.

The Scandal: Despite these legendary accomplishments, Pete Rose was banned from baseball in 1989 for betting on games, including those involving his own team, the Cincinnati Reds, while he was a player and manager. Although he denied the allegations for many years, Rose finally admitted to betting on baseball in 2004. His ban, which is still in effect, has rendered him ineligible for induction into the Hall of Fame.

​Should Either of Them Be Eligible?
​While both players have been excluded from the Hall of Fame for their respective scandals, the reasons behind their exclusions are very different.

In short, the primary difference is that Rose actively undermined the sport by betting on games and then lied about it for years, whereas Jackson was swept up in a scandal where his direct involvement is still debated. For this reason, many baseball historians and fans believe Shoeless Joe Jackson deserves to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, whereas Rose's case remains more controversial.

At least Pete Rose finally admitted he bet on baseball and apologized. It was never proven that Shoeless Joe was involved in the Black Sox gambling scandal and to his grave, he said he never was.

Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson are two of the most polarizing figures in baseball history. Their careers were nothing short of sensational, but their legacies remain tainted by scandal. While Rose’s actions were deliberate and self-inflicted, Jackson’s story is one of ambiguity, with many still calling for his rightful place in Cooperstown. As MLB continues to evolve, perhaps the time has come to reconsider their cases and find a way to honor their contributions while acknowledging their mistakes.