Watch: Pete Rose Jr. throws 1st pitch to dad after No. 14 retired
And thats a wrap! Pete Rose and his son throw out the first pitch to end the @Reds hall of fame ceremony. https://t.co/Pc8coTUEW9
— FOX Sports Ohio (@FOXSportsOH) June 26, 2016
It's only fitting that Pete Rose's special weekend in Cincinnati would be closed out by his son.
One day after being inducted into the team's Hall of Fame, the elder Rose's famous No. 14 became the 10th number to be officially retired by the Reds. Rose, a Cincinnati native, was feted by the team he spent 19 of his 24 years with in a pregame ceremony, and was gifted a specially commissioned portrait and crystal sculpture.
Gifts for @PeteRose_14: Custom painting by Bart Forbes and custom crystal sculpture created by Studio 11. #14forever pic.twitter.com/0d5a6bCcIb
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 26, 2016
It's official. #14forever pic.twitter.com/98X1cgczvm
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 26, 2016
After the number was unveiled, a ceremonial first pitch was thrown by Pete Rose Jr. to his dad. Father and son hugged at home plate following the pitch, invoking memories of their emotional embrace after "Charlie Hustle" set baseball's all-time hits record in 1985.
Today's first pitch: Pete Rose, Jr. throws to @PeteRose_14. #14forever pic.twitter.com/LM1Zk3tr9q
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) June 26, 2016
Until Sunday, Rose's number had been kept in a state of unofficial retirement by the team since he last wore it as a manager in 1989. Since he left the Reds, they've issued No. 14 just once - to Pete Jr., who wore it during his 11-game stint with the team in 1997.
Related - Rose: Reds HOF 'biggest thing' to happen in my career
Cincinnati received permission from commissioner Rob Manfred to officially retire the number despite Rose's lifetime ban for betting on baseball still being in place.