SYRACUSE — Wherever Pete Rose goes, his lifetime ban from Major League Baseball (MLB) for gambling is fodder for discussion. And, that was true on Rose’s recent stop in Syracuse.

In December, MLB denied Rose reinstatement to the game. However, Commissioner Robert Manfred, Jr.’s statement on his decision seemed to imply that eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown was a separate issue.

 “In fact, in my view, the considerations that should drive a decision on whether an individual should be allowed to work in baseball are not the same as those that should drive a decision on Hall of Fame eligibility,” according to Manfred’s statement posted at mlb.com.

In response to a reporter’s question about the Manfred statement, while in town on Jan. 22, Rose said he was “confused about that,” not sure what Manfred meant. And, “that’s why I don’t like to comment on it,” he said.

“The Hall of Fame is a different entity than baseball. All baseball does for the Hall of Fame is supply the players,” Rose said in speaking to local reporters at the Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. Rose served as the keynote speaker at the Syracuse Chiefs’ 2016 Hot Stove Dinner & Charity Fundraiser. More than 900 people attended the event, the Chiefs said in a Facebook posting.

Rose is MLB’s all-time leader in hits (4,256) and games played, according to the Syracuse Chiefs news release on the event. He had 17 all-star appearances and earned an MVP award in his 24-year major-league career. 

He also participated in six World Series, Rose noted during his remarks.

Rose was asked if he remains hopeful that the Baseball Writers’ Association of America can one day consider him for the Hall of Fame.

 “Well, this is America we live in. Everyone usually gets a second chance. But if you want to know do I pray every night before I go to bed that I’m going to go to the Hall of Fame … No. I pray [that] I’m going to get up the next morning,” said Rose, who turns 75 in April.

But there is a Hall of Fame that Rose is about to enter.

Rose says his upcoming induction into the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame means a lot to him because of his roots.

“I’m from Cincinnati,” he said. “I was born four miles from the ballpark.”

The Reds will induct Rose into their Hall of Fame during the weekend of June 24. The team also plans to retire Rose’s uniform No. 14 that weekend.

 “I have to thank the commissioner for obviously giving the Reds permission to do what they’re going to do in June. He had to give his blessing, and I’m happy about 

that,” said Rose.

Manfred also “gave his blessing” for Rose to attend the Syracuse Chiefs’ event at the Oncenter, Rose added.