Breaking News: Giant Living Bronze Statue of Pete Rose Unveiled at Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati, Ohio

Breaking News: Giant Living Bronze Statue of Pete Rose Unveiled at Great American Ball Park – Cincinnati, Ohio

 

 

 

Breaking News: Massive Bronze Statue of Pete Rose Unveiled at Great American Ball Park

 

In a spectacular tribute to one of baseball’s greatest and most controversial figures, the Cincinnati Reds have unveiled a **giant bronze statue of Pete Rose** outside the gates of **Great American Ball Park**. The dramatic sculpture commemorates Rose in his iconic head-first sliding pose—forearms extended, cleats off the ground—capturing the energy and determination of the MLB’s all-time hits leader.

 

### ⚾ A Tribute to “Charlie Hustle”

 

Created by renowned local sculptor **Tom Tsuchiya**, the statue is a centerpiece on **Crosley Terrace**, joining existing bronzes of Reds legends like Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez, and others from the “Big Red Machine” era ([sculpturecenter.org][1]). Tsuchiya, a University of Cincinnati alumnus, previously sculpted dynamic depictions of several Reds greats and now brings Rose’s “signature slide” to life in stunning detail ([uc.edu][2]).

 

### A Momentous Dedication

 

The statue was officially unveiled during a heartfelt ceremony attended by **Pete Rose himself**, alongside fellow Reds greats—**Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Tony Pérez**—and dozens of fans who packed the terrace to witness the event . Rose, known for his grit and flair, reportedly beamed with pride, stating that his aggressive head-first slide was “because it gets you in the paper.” He paid tribute to his teammates whose support helped fuel his legendary career ([mlb.com][3]).

 

### Sculptural Excellence

 

Tsuchiya’s statue captures Rose’s dynamism: airborne, with hair flying and elbows grazing bronze. The realism brings fans back to the 1970s and ’80s when Rose redefined hustle and determination ([mlb.com][3]). Tsuchiya emphasized that his goal was to convey the raw emotion of Rose’s relentless playing style and to “bring Pete’s aggression and enthusiasm for the game to life” ([spectrumnews1.com][4]).

 

### Legacy and Location

 

Located at **100 Joe Nuxhall Way**, the heart of GABP’s statuary-lined entrance, the statue enriches the Reds’ ongoing homage to their storied history ([en.wikipedia.org][5]). It complements the team’s impressive collection of bronzes that pay homage to milestones of Cincinnati’s baseball legacy.

 

### Why It Matters

 

While Rose remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame due to his gambling controversy, his impact on the field is undeniable. With 4,256 career hits and a career batting average of .303, his achievements stand shoulder to shoulder with any baseball legend ([facebook.com][6], [theclio.com][7]). The statue cements his place in Reds lore—an everlasting reminder of “Charlie Hustle.”

 

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**In short:** The new Pete Rose statue is a masterful blend of artistry and legacy, honoring a man whose spirit continues to electrify the diamond. Whether you’re a die-hard Reds fan or a lover of baseball history, this iconic monument is a must-see tribute at Great American Ball Park—where Pete Rose’s hustle now stands immortal in bronze.