A Pete Rose Induction Into Baseball Hall of Fame Looking Brighter

Former Major League Baseball great Pete Rose expressed optimism that he could some day be inducted into the Hall of Fame following a lifetime ban for gambling on Baseball games.

"I've waited 25 years, but I've done so because I was the one who screwed up," Rose told ESPN.com. "And if I were given a second chance, I would be the happiest guy in the world."

Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will be retiring on Jan. 24, 2015 and Rose believes Selig may ultimately grant him a pardon of sorts.

"I haven't given up on Bud," Rose said. "I'm not glad he's leaving. He has a love for the game and has been good for it. If the next guy is his best friend, I don't expect he'll just turn me loose, but if he isn't, I hope he has an open mind."

Rose remains one of the most beloved figures in Major League Baseball.  To prove this point, the former Cincinnati player and manager sits inside a Las Vegas store called the Art of Music on the strip signing autographs, items costing between $80 and $800.  And the fans, they all flock to pay for the autographed merchandise.

Rose still gambles, just not on Baseball.

"I only bet on events that I am watching," Rose said. "I watch the horses. I was a big fan of [Triple Crown hopeful] California Chrome."

63% of those voting on whether Rose will eventually make it into the Hall of Fame believe it will happen.  A total of 23,746 votes were cast at ESPN.com at the time of this writing.

- Dan Shapiro, Gambling911.com