Pete Rose died of heart disease, coroner says

The cause of death for Pete Rose, MLB’s all-time hits leader, was hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, the Clark County coroner’s office announced Tuesday, per WLWT5. He also reportedly had a significant condition of diabetes mellitus.

His manner of death has been ruled natural.

Per the Mayo Clinic, atherosclerosis is “the buildup of fats, cholesterol and other substances in and on the artery walls,” which can cause arteries to narrow and block blood flow. The buildup, also known as plaque, can burst, leading to a blood clot. Hypertension, another word for high blood pressure, is a risk factor for atherosclerosis.

Rose’s death in Clark County was announced Monday, triggering an outpouring of tributes as well as harder questions about the legacy of a man with three World Series titles, the MLB hits record, a lifetime ban for betting on baseball, a felony tax evasion conviction and a statutory rape allegation.

Rose spent his last full day of life appearing with fellow Reds legends at an autograph show, but he spent much of his post-playing life as a baseball pariah. After he was found to have gambled on his own team as the Reds manager, Rose accepted a permanent ban from baseball with the understanding he could apply for reinstatement as long as he stayed in MLB’s good graces. He spent years lying about his gambling and at one point turned down an offer with the conditions he tell the truth and stop gambling.

Before that, Rose placed an indelible mark on the MLB record books with his pursuit of Ty Cobb’s hits record. He retired with 4,256 hits, a mark that may never be touched again, as well 17 All-Star selections, three batting titles, an MVP award two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and a Rookie of the Year award.