Pete Rose says he believes there's a chance at reinstatement

Pete Rose had a major-league record 15,890 plate appearances in 24 MLB seasons. (Joey Foley/Getty Images)

Pete Rose was banned from baseball almost 25 years ago for gambling, and while he admits his mistakes, Rose says he believes there is a chance he will get reinstated and eventually make his way into the Hall of Fame.

These days, Rose makes his money from selling his autograph at a memorabilia shop in Las Vegas. Tonight he'll be the guest manager of the Independent Atlantic League's Bridgeport Bluefish.

"I really believe there's a chance," Rose tells USA Today. "Hey, when I met with Bud. I would have bet everything I own that he was going to reinstate me when I left his office."

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Selig is set to leave the commissioner's office next January after holding the post since 1998. Rose insists that the fans still want to see him and that he is good for baseball.

"The guy who shot the Pope,'' Rose said. "He got a second chance. That's all I'm asking for, a second chance. I'll make the most of it. I'm not whining. I was the one who screwed up. I made some mistakes. But come on, it's been a quarter of a century.''

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