Pete Rose was once among baseball’s highest-paid players, but how much is he worth today? His career earnings exceeded $7 million, yet financial troubles, gambling scandals, and legal battles drastically altered his fortune.
Despite his legendary status, he remains banned from the Hall of Fame. This article breaks down Pete Rose’s wealth, salary, and financial journey, from his biggest paydays to how he sustained himself post-baseball.
Pete Rose Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Peter Edward Rose Sr. |
| Popular Name | Pete Rose |
| Birth Date | April 14, 1941 |
| Age | 83 (as of 03/04/2025) |
| Birthplace | Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Western Hills High School |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Karolyn Englehardt (m. 1964–1980), Carol J. Woliung (m. 1984–2011) |
| Children | N/A |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | One of four children |
| Parents | Harry Francis “Pete” Rose, LaVerne Bloebaum Rose |
| Height | 1.80 meters |
| Net Worth | $3 million |
| Source of Wealth | Baseball, Autograph signings, Memorabilia sales |
What is the Net Worth Of Pete Rose in 2025?
Pete Rose’s net worth is estimated at $3 million. At his peak, he earned millions from baseball contracts, including a $3.2 million deal with the Phillies in 1979.
However, gambling scandals, a lifetime ban from MLB, and tax evasion charges impacted his finances.
In contrast, many retired athletes have maintained substantial wealth. Below are a few individuals connected to Pete Rose:
- Johnny Bench
- Joe Morgan
- Tony Pérez
- Mike Schmidt
- Ty Cobb
- Mickey Mantle
- Whitey Ford
- Reggie Jackson
- Barry Bonds
- Alex Rodriguez
If you’re curious about other high-earning stars, check out this list of the wealthiest celebrities: Explore the top earners.
Pete Rose Wealth, Salary and Financial Overview
How Did He Earn Money Throughout His Career?
Pete Rose built his fortune through Major League Baseball contracts, endorsements, and later, memorabilia sales. He signed his biggest contract with the Phillies in 1979 for $3.2 million, making him the highest-paid athlete at the time.
His career earnings totaled $7.1 million, spread across his playing time with the Cincinnati Reds, Philadelphia Phillies, and Montreal Expos. Unlike modern players who secure long-term deals, Rose’s earnings were impressive for his era but not protected by endorsement-heavy contracts.
Despite his on-field success, Rose didn’t benefit from lucrative post-retirement broadcasting or coaching roles due to his ban from baseball. This forced him to find alternative income sources after leaving the sport.
How Did Gambling Impact His Financial Situation?
Rose’s sports betting scandal in 1989 led to a lifetime ban from MLB, cutting off potential earnings from managerial roles, broadcasting, and Hall of Fame-related opportunities.
He admitted to gambling on baseball, including betting on his own team while managing the Reds. This not only tarnished his legacy but also restricted potential endorsement deals that could have sustained his finances.
Legal troubles followed, with investigations into his finances revealing unreported income. These issues made it difficult for Rose to maintain his wealth at the level of other retired sports legends.
What Were His Biggest Financial Challenges?
One of Rose’s most costly financial mistakes was tax evasion, which resulted in a five-month prison sentence in 1990. He failed to report significant earnings from memorabilia sales and gambling winnings, leading to major penalties.
Additionally, divorce settlements in 2011 affected his wealth, further depleting his savings. Unlike other retired athletes who diversify their investments, Rose didn’t make long-term financial plans, making him more vulnerable to financial setbacks.
To cover expenses, Rose had to sell assets like his Sherman Oaks home for $2 million in 2014. Despite these challenges, he continued to make money through public appearances and autograph signings.
How Did He Sustain His Income After Baseball?
Without Hall of Fame recognition or coaching opportunities, Rose turned to autograph signings and memorabilia sales. In 2018, court documents revealed he earned between $50,000 to $100,000 per month from these activities.
His name remained valuable, especially among baseball fans, allowing him to charge premium prices for signed items. Although this provided a steady income, it was a significant downgrade from his MLB salary.
Real estate transactions also helped sustain him temporarily. Selling his California home for $2 million provided a financial cushion, but it wasn’t enough to restore the wealth he had during his playing days.
Why Was He Not Reinstated into the Hall of Fame, and Did It Affect His Finances?
Despite holding the all-time MLB hits record (4,256 hits), Rose remains banned from the Hall of Fame due to his gambling scandal. The Hall of Fame exclusion significantly impacted his ability to secure endorsement deals and post-career opportunities.
Players inducted into the Hall of Fame often receive endorsement contracts, book deals, and public speaking opportunities. Rose’s ban cut off these potential revenue streams, keeping his post-baseball earnings lower than other legends like Derek Jeter or Ken Griffey Jr.
MLB has shown no signs of reversing the ban, making it unlikely that Rose will ever reclaim the financial benefits of a Hall of Fame career.
What Is His Financial Legacy in Baseball History?
Pete Rose’s story serves as a cautionary tale for athletes. Despite record-breaking achievements, his off-field decisions cost him millions. His experience influenced how MLB enforces its policies on sports betting and player conduct.
While Rose’s financial downfall was largely self-inflicted, it highlights the importance of financial planning for athletes. Many players today have financial advisors and investment portfolios to ensure long-term stability, something Rose lacked during his career.
Conclusion
Pete Rose’s net worth is a testament to the highs and lows of a sports career. His legendary baseball success was overshadowed by gambling scandals and financial missteps.
While he still earns from memorabilia, his story serves as a lesson in financial management. Want to learn more about athletes’ finances? Visit Aupeo for more insights!
