Pete Rose reinstatement decision expected by end of 2015, MLB commissioner says

BOCA RATON, Fla. -- Commissioner Rob Manfred said Tuesday morning that he will make a decision on whether to lift Pete Rose's lifetime ban "before the end of the year" in what is likely to be the Hit King's last, best chance at reinstatement.

Manfred, speaking on Day 2 of Major League Baseball's annual general managers' meetings, addressed a number of issues facing the game. But Rose's situation gained increased exposure this season because of Manfred's willingness to re-examine the case, the All-Star Game taking place in Cincinnati and Rose's becoming part of the Fox studio broadcast team during the postseason.

"The end of the year is my deadline," Manfred said. "And I'm not telling you that this is coming Dec. 30 or whatever. It will be done before the end of the year, let me be clear about that."

Although Rose's participation this year has indicated a thawing of his previously icy relationship with MLB, swaying Manfred still appears to be an extreme long shot.

Rose, 74, has been banned from the game since August 1989, when then-commissioner Bart Giamatti placed him on the permanent-ineligible list for betting on games, including those involving his own team, as manager of the Reds.

By David Lennon

dave.lennon@newsday.comDPLennon

David Lennon is an award-winning columnist, a voter for baseball's Hall of Fame and has covered six no-hitters, including two perfect games.