In 1989, Major League Baseball (MLB) legend Pete Rose faced a lifetime ban from the sport following an investigation that exposed his gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds. This pivotal moment marked a dramatic turn in the career of baseball’s all-time hits leader, whose story is explored in depth in the documentary series, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose. Spanning over six decades, the series delves into the life of one of the most polarizing figures in sports history.
Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose features intimate new interviews and verité footage, capturing the essence of Pete Rose’s life and career. The documentary incorporates extensive archival footage alongside contextual interviews with teammates, family, friends, and journalists. These insights paint a comprehensive picture of Rose’s meteoric rise, his infamous fall from grace, and his ongoing quest for reinstatement and recognition in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Rose, famously known as “Charlie Hustle” for his relentless and gritty playing style, achieved remarkable success on the field. He won three World Series titles and shattered Ty Cobb’s record for the most career hits. However, his off-field activities, including a prison sentence for tax evasion and his gambling scandal, cast a long shadow over his illustrious career, resulting in his expulsion from baseball and a lasting blemish on the sport.
Through Rose’s candid reflections, Charlie Hustle & The Matter of Pete Rose presents a nuanced portrayal of a man full of contradictions. It’s a fascinating look at an individual striving for redemption yet grappling with his legacy. The documentary offers a captivating exploration of Pete Rose’s complex journey, inviting viewers to reconsider the balance of his on-field triumphs against his off-field tribulations.
Pete Rose is joined by his son Pete Rose Jr.; former teammates Mike Schmidt, Ken Griffey Sr., and Tommy Helms; former MLB players Eduardo Perez and Ron Cey; broadcasters Al Michaels, Lesley Visser, Marty Brennaman, and Jon Miller; actor, Chad Lowe; and journalists Larry Keith, Ted Keith, C. Trent Rosecrans, and Jay Jaffe.
Episode One: “THE LONGSHOT”
Debut date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 (9:00-10:00p.m. ET/PT)
At the age of 81, more than three decades after receiving a lifetime ban for gambling, former Cincinnati Reds star Pete Rose reignites his quest for reinstatement into Major League Baseball (MLB) while recounting his unlikely rise to the top of the sport.
Episode Two: “THE DIRTY WORK”
Debut date: WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Nicknamed “Charlie Hustle” for his down and dirty work ethic, Pete Rose becomes the face of baseball. Rose helps transform the Cincinnati Reds into the “Big Red Machine,” winning back-to-back World Series titles in the ‘70s. Behind the scenes, however, his family life begins to fall apart.
Episode Three: “ONE OF ONE”
Debut date: THURSDAY, JULY 25 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Pete Rose becomes the highest paid player in baseball and eventually cements his legendary status in 1985 when he breaks Ty Cobb’s record to become MLB’s all-time career hits leader. But a shocking gambling scandal leads to a prison sentence and lifetime banishment from the game he loves.
Episode Four: “ONE LAST RECORD”
Debut date: THURSDAY, JULY 25 (10:00-11:00 p.m. ET/PT)
After years of denial, in 2004, Pete Rose publicly admits that he bet on the game of baseball. Now, two decades after coming clean, Rose confronts the truth about his public image and makes one last bid for MLB reinstatement and enshrinement in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
