Pete Rose has a high-profile ally in his fight for reinstatement by Major League Baseball: Hall of Fame broadcaster Tim McCarver.
McCarver, who played against and with Rose for two decades, told the Dan Patrick Show on Thursday he has come around to Rose's side after opposing reinstatement "for years and years."
MORE: Classic photos of Pete Rose | Where these disgraced athletes went wrong
"I think Pete's served his time and I think it's time to move on with it. I really do," he told Patrick (via Cincinnati.com). "I know all the arguments against it. I don't have time to go through all those arguments but I do (believe Rose should be reinstated). I think he's served his time and I think it's time for baseball to make a move toward Pete and I think they're going to do it."
Rose received a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 after an investigation showed he bet on baseball while managing the Reds. A recent report claimed there is evidence Rose also bet on baseball when he was a player, a revelation that could hurt his case when/if he meets with commissioner Rob Manfred.
Rose declined to answer later Thursday when Fox Sports 1's Chris Myers asked him, "Did you bet on baseball as a player?"
Manfred said in April that Rose will be able to take part in All-Star Game activities later this month in Cincinnati, Rose's hometown and the city where he became a superstar with the Reds.
Rose, baseball's all-time leader in hits, is pushing to be reinstated in part to have a chance at being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
