Pete Rose not recognized by Topps as MLB all-time hits leader

Topps recognizes Barry Bonds but not Pete Rose. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Topps is refusing to recognize Pete Rose as the MLB all-time hits leader who was banned in 1989 from baseball and deemed ineligible for the Baseball Hall of Fame amid findings that he bet on games as a player and manager.

In a report Wednesday from ChicagoSideSports.com, Topps spokesman Clay Luraschi said it was a "simple decision...plain and simple" but would not elaborate on why Rose, 71, was no longer recognized by the baseball card comapny. The former player and manager of the Cincinnati Reds has not appeared on the Topps card, nor has he been referenced on one, since his ban almost 25 years ago.