Phillies cancel plan to put Rose in Wall of Fame

PHILADELPHIA The Philadelphia Phillies have cancelled plans to honour Pete Rose next week because of a woman’s claim she had a sexual relationship with baseball’s hit king when she was a minor.

The woman, identified as Jane Doe this week in a court filing, said when she was 14 or 15 they began a sexual relationship in Cincinnati that lasted several years.

Rose’s lawyer says the woman’s claims are unverified.

The Phillies were going to induct Rose into their Wall of Fame in an on-field ceremony Aug. 12. Rose bobbleheads were going to be distributed Aug. 11.

The Phillies will not give away the collectibles and said fans with tickets for either game can exchange them or get a refund.

“While I am truly honoured that the Phillies fans voted for me to be this year’s Wall of Fame inductee, I am concerned that other matters will overshadow the goodwill associated with Alumni Weekend, and I agree with the decision not to participate,” Rose said.

Rose, who was banned from baseball in 1989, made four MLB all-star appearances and helped the Phillies to one of their two world championships during his five seasons in Philadelphia from 1979-83.

Rose acknowledged in a statement accompanying Monday’s filing he did have a relationship with the woman, but he said it started when she was 16.

At the time, Rose was in his mid-30s and was married with two kids.

The 76-year-old hits leader is banned from baseball’s Hall of Fame. Commissioner Rob Manfred has denied Rose’s latest petition for reinstatement, but hasn’t ruled out making him eligible for Cooperstown someday.

The fourth annual Philly Sports Roast also said it cancelled its Aug. 10 event with Rose as the guest of honour. Tickets that started at $150 will be refunded.