First of all, Ty Cobb played as long as Methusala to set the record Pete Rose broke. The same number of seasons. Cobb missed his share of ballgames in his 24 year career. Granted the season was 8 games shorter.

I don't think the pitching of 1880-1930 was near the quality of today's pitching. Look at baseball history and the number of ancient era 40 and yes 50 game winners. Ty Cobb certainly had nice stats in his era, so did Favorite Trick in his.

As far as the Hall goes, Cobb was a notoriously poor sport and of poor character. He sharpened his spikes to maim opponents, he went into the stands and beat up a fan, he beat up a cigarette girl. He drank and beat his wife. In 1919 there was a gambling allegation against him as well, although it was ultimately dropped. Had America come to it's senses when Ty Cobb was inducted into the Hall of Fame?

Mickey Mantle and Willie Mays were both barred by baseball at one time as well.
Its not about good then and bad now. Its not about a fall from grace. Its about the evolution of society. Its neither good nor bad. Its just different. In 1919 it was acceptable for a man to strike his wife and unacceptable to gamble. Today even government has its hands in gambling and it acceptable to gamble and unacceptable to strike your wife. I think we have evolved enough to give Pete Rose the chance that we give so many others. He's served his time.

Keep in mind the gambling incident was subsequent to his playing career and he bet on his team to win.

CtC