CINCINNATI, Ohio —  Cincinnati native Sheila Nard was just one of thousands of Reds fans who made their way to Great American Ball Park on Tuesday following the news of Pete Rose, aka ‘Charlie Hustles’, death Monday night.  

“When I worked here and encountered him, he was the one that would always stop to take a picture and smile. If you asked him something, he’d tell you something about the impact he had on the team,” Nared said. 

Chris Eckes is the curator for the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum. He said he wasn’t surprised to see the emotional and heartfelt reaction from the community. He added that the organization has a number of tributes in the works for the great #14, including a banner that will be placed in front of the ballpark. 

“Pete gave so many autographs to so many people over the years. This is going to be the fans opportunity to leave their mark on him in the form of leaving a message on this banner,” Eckes said.

Despite Rose’s many accolades, including being a 17-time all-star, MLB’s all-times hits leader, and a Reds Hall of Famer, he was banned from consideration to the national hall of fame due to his involvement in sports betting as a manager of the Reds in the 80s. 

“He is without the national hall of fame honors that maybe he didn’t receive because of decisions he made and the consequences, ultimately the legacy is still very much intact,” Eckes said.  

Diehard fans like Nared couldn’t agree more. “As far as the Cincinnati Reds, I’d say Pete is the root of it. He planted the seed and I think he should always be elevated and remembered at future games or something special. I believe that the community and the city feel the same way.” 

That banner is expected to be at the park for fans to start signing as early as Wednesday. 

We’re told other tributes will continue to be announced in the days to come.