Managing EditorSome could have seen it as dedication to the fans. Others, a desperate grasp to stay in the spotlight.

Either way, I was curious.

The Kmart in Kankakee, Ill. had just expanded and as part of its festivities, decided to bring in Pete Rose for an autograph signing.

The Hit King himself was coming to my home county. However, as a 12-year-old in 1987, I wasn't overenthusiastic about Rose's appearance. Not many of my friends went. In fact, the only person I knew who was going to get Rose's autograph was my cousin, Mark.

Of course, this was all before Rose was kicked out of baseball in 1989, following an investigation that he bet on baseball.

Anyway, Rose showed up and happily signed autographed pictures (and anything else) for the fans. At least that's what the story and photograph in the local paper conveyed.

My curiosity continues to this day about Rose. Charlie Hustle himself was a fierce competitor. Heck, he evened creamed a catcher going full force into home plate -- during an All-Star game.

I admired someone with that work ethic and desire for his job, even though it still was just a game.

There was convincing evidence mounting against Rose that he bet on baseball (including his own Cincinnati Reds) and the pressure intensified. Rose didn't have to admit anything, but he did have to agree to a banishment from the game he dearly loved.

To this day, Rose has continuously denied he ever bet on baseball. There has never been 100 percent confirmation of this. But the commissioner's office called off the dogs against Rose after he signed the agreement. Up to that point, betting slips with Rose's handwriting, along with phone and bank records that were tied in to Rose's alleged gambling activities, all but showed Rose bet on baseball.

Recent published reports have said Rose and current baseball Commissioner Bud Selig have met secretly over the past year to figure out some way to get Rose back into the game. However, those reports also say that Rose will have to agree, in part, to admitting that he bet on baseball.

There's no question that Rose is a good public relations spokesman for the game. And it's apparent that he loves America's Pastime.

But where I have a problem is if Rose has, so to speak, seen the light.

Usually when someone's truly sorry for what they've done, they will take the appropriate steps to make sure they won't do it again.

Of course, Rose has to be treated differently than any of us.

I can go to Las Vegas and legally bet on a baseball game. The state of Nevada allows me that right under its constitution. But if someone has direct or indirect influence over such a contest (like, ahem, baseball), that's when serious criminal and ethical questions come into play.

Sure, baseball could let Rose back in. But will he keep betting on the game that's already suffered enough image problems lately?

Until people like Selig know for sure, Rose should stay on the sidelines. It's a gamble that baseball can ill-afford to lose.

Dan Fields can be reached at 434-2230 or by e-mail at dan.fields@austindailyherald.com