Random Thoughts: Pete Rose and more

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports

The latest installment of Random Thoughts centers around Pete Rose, Bluffton, game time, a pair of long streaks, and NIL.

The Hit King

The news came down Monday – Pete Rose passed away at his home in Las Vegas. He was 83.

Baseball’s all-time hits leader was quite a character and he truly earned the nickname “Charlie Hustle.” Many people said he was the best ever and I wouldn’t argue against that. As a kid it was a treat to watch him play and I remember as a kid trying to imitate him by diving into home plate. 24 seasons – that’s so impressive. I only wish he hadn’t gambled on baseball. I wish he hadn’t knowingly and willingly broken baseball’s cardinal rule.

I’m not about to get into a discussion about whether he belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame or not. I have strong feelings but now isn’t the time, so soon after his death. I will say that even if he’s made eligible for induction, it doesn’t mean he’ll get in anytime soon. It’ll be up to the Baseball Writers of America and there’s no guarantee he’ll get votes, based on the gambling.

Rest in peace, Pete Rose.

Bluffton

Crestview’s next opponent is really good. How good? Bluffton, ranked No. * in this week’s statewide poll, has outscored its first six opponents 297-24, or 49.5-4 per game. The Pirates have allowed no more than one touchdown in any game to this point. They’re outgaining opponents 444-119 per game. Jeff Richards has done a remarkable job with this team. More information will be covered in the weekly game preview on Wednesday’s Sports page.

Time

If you’re planning on going to Saturday’s Bluffton at Crestview game, a reminder that kickoff is at 6 p.m., not 7 p.m. If you missed why the game is being played on Saturday, it’s because of a shortage of officials.

Streak

Lima Sr.’s 56-0 win over Toledo Woodward extended Woodward’s losing streak to 37 games – the longest current streak in Ohio.

Another streak

Despite Van Wert’s struggles this season, the Cougars have scored 10 points or more in 65 consecutive games, the third longest streak in Ohio, behind Marion Local (77), West Branch (69).

NIL

Someone please fix the NCAA’s NIL. Three years in (I think) and it’s completely out of control. Players jumping schools each year. Millions and millions of dollars changing hands and now, players leaving after four games to preserve a redshirt year and go somewhere else. What is happening?

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t have a problem with the players making money, although I didn’t buy the previous argument that they got nothing. Those on scholarship got plenty – free room, board, tuition, meals, access to training, medical etc. That’s a lot. It should be okay for them to make some extra money off of their name, image and likeness, but not like this.

There are very few rules, very few guidelines. It’s literally like the wild west and I blame the NCAA for this. The NCAA dragged its feet on this for years then basically opened the floodgates. 

As far as jumping ship/transferring – there should be a defined set of reasonable rules, with coaching changes and family reasons at the top. Yes, there should be other reasons that could be taken into account. “I didn’t win the starting job” shouldn’t be one of them. This seems like it should be pretty easy to figure out.

As always, if you have thoughts or comments on any of the above subjects, feel free to email me at sports@thevwindependent.com.