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How did Pete Rose, a baseball legend with 4,256 hits, become one of the sport's most polarizing figures? Join us on the Son of a Blitch podcast as we chat with best-selling author Keith O'Brien about his book, "Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose and the Last Glory Days of Baseball." Keith brings a unique perspective, having gained rare access to Rose and his inner circle, and shares the intricate details of Rose's career, his relentless drive, and the choices that led to his downfall. This episode gives you an inside look at Keith's journey from his Cincinnati roots to becoming an acclaimed author.

We get into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to write a deeply humanizing narrative of a controversial figure. Keith reveals the challenges and triumphs of his writing process, from securing unprecedented interviews to handling sensitive topics like Rose's gambling scandal. We dive into the broader implications of sports betting on baseball, debating whether Rose's on-field achievements should outweigh his off-field controversies. This is an eye-opening discussion that brings a fresh perspective to the enduring debate over Rose's exclusion from the Hall of Fame.

Finally, we explore the evolving landscape of sports betting and its impact on the integrity of baseball. Keith and I draw parallels between historical scandals and today's betting culture, pondering whether modern advancements are safeguarding the sport or paving the way for new controversies. We also tackle the contentious issue of Hall of Fame inductions for athletes with controversial backgrounds, questioning if their contributions to the game should be enough for eternal recognition. Tune in for an engaging episode filled with baseball history, ethical debates, and compelling storytelling.