Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose

It's a solid 4 part documentary, with excellent film footage, about a hard nosed and talented ballplayer who squeezed every bit of athletic talent and then more out of his body, playing in more games and getting more hits than anyone. He's also one of the stupidest people who ever played the game, essentially blowing his legacy by betting on baseball, something he denied for many years before coming clean. As the doc shows with solid evidence, he was also having sex with underage girls, hanging out with steroid and cocaine users at a gym, fand financing a cocaine ring. All of which he denies of course. He owed nearly $500K to the mob in gambling debt-which doesn't make it hard to believe he may have bet against the Reds as manager in order to get some of it back. Oh and he also did 6 months in the pen for income tax evasion. Should he still get in the HOF? Personally, don't really care.

With the gambling allegations that sprung up around Shohei Ohtani's interpreter early in 2024, this was the perfect year to re-examine the Pete Rose saga. HBO Docs & Bad Robot Productions give it the first-class treatment here, with writer/director Mark Monroe knowing exactly how to frame Rose without "picking a side" on his Hall of Fame or MLB reinstatement quest.

Over the course of its four roughly hour-long installments, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose covers all the bases (pardon the pun) of Rose's career. From his deep childhood roots in the city of Cincinnati to his heralded playing career (truly one of the all-time greats) to the gambling scandal(s) that ultimately ousted him from MLB, this doc covers it all.

The key factor here: access/interviews with Rose himself. Why? Because Rose is extremely gregarious and the perfect "turn the camera on and let him go" doc subject. He is 100% authentic to himself, and that is perhaps a fading commodity in the age of social media and identity politics. This can make Rose extremely likable, as who doesn't enjoy someone authentic not afraid to speak his/her mind? His stories--especially about his playing days--will often have you laughing out loud!

At the same time, this doc crew knows the real tragedy of Rose: that he is his own worst enemy when it comes to potential reinstatement. Pete is a serial liar who either cannot or will not project any sort of sincerity when it comes to apologizing for his gambling foibles. It is always "steroids/sign-stealing/today's gambling is worse" or "I only beat on the Reds" or the like. This is a guy who will come to casino openings and place the first bet while at the same time meeting with MLB commissioners towards reinstatement. Truly a fascinating contradiction.

The producers of Charlie Hustle know exactly how to handle all of this. Instead of pushing one argument or another too hard, they simply let the cameras roll and capture all of it. That is truly the best way to understand the odd nuances of Pete Rose.

It has been a long time since I've seen a sports doc as engaging as this one. Absolutely recommended (if not close to required) viewing for anyone interested in baseball history or the Rose saga even tangentially. It is fascinating and will hold your interest without fail for all four hours.

"HBO" has once again scored and produced a hit with one of it's original sports docs. "Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose" is a must watch for any baseball or sports fan. A four part series which highlights and looks at the life and career of the legend Pete Rose, you the viewer will find it memorable with old classic game footage, and interviews. Plus a current treat is hearing from Pete as he reflects back on his life and rise to fame all darkened by gambling. Others interviews from broadcasters, ex players, and fans give focus and insight on his bid for the baseball hall of fame, it's revealing and compelling hearing different takes. Even though Gambling has become the norm still Rose is looked at differently, you the viewer make your own judgement hero or criminal? Wonderful well done sports doc that is a must see.

... a privilege, not a right.

He did tarnish his legacy and did not admit to gambling when people would have cared enough to perhaps give him a second chance.

On an additional note, all those Pete Rose fans constantly working the commissioner should realize he was working for the best interest of the game. If they really wanted to get him in the hall, pester the Board of Trustees up there in Cooperstown and get them to stop following baseball's eligibility listings.

Remember, the Hall is not owned by MLB. I always found it disappointing when a new commissioner came in, over the past thirty years or so, the Peter Rose situation was the first question they asked.

Great documentary on the antics of the man who still to this day doesn't understand his numbers might have gotten him to the Hall of Fame, his character isn't the caliber needed. He is not a trustworthy honorable guy. Hey 16 yrs old is legal in Ohio. I was never at Gold's Gym.. (next frame enter Pete Rose picture at Gold's Gym).. I never lifted a weight.. (next frame him lifting a weight).. The best part of this documentary was the brutal showing of Pete being Pete. He threw his own shade on himself as his own worst enemy. I did agree however with Chad Lowe. That perhaps people could forgive someone that not only has a disease but is not capable of apology. Showing forgiveness to someone like that might give the wrong idea though. He doesn't even think sleeping with 14-16 year olds is a crime.