Pete Rose on Trial (2003) (TV)

Release Date:

17 June 2003 (USA)

Genre:

Documentary | Sport

Plot:

Baseball's all-time hits leader, banned for life for allegedly betting on the sport, should be allowed induction at Cooperstown, the jury of ESPN's mock trial said after hearing three hours of jury deliberations at Harvard Law School.

Plot Keywords:

Baseball | Gambling

Cast

Bob Ley	...	Host
Jeffrey Toobin	...	CNN Legal Analyst
Catherine Crier	...	Judge
Alan M. Dershowitz	...	Prosecuting attorney
Johnnie L. Cochran Jr.	...	Defense attorney
Eddie Andelman	...	Jury foreman
Steve Garvey	...	Witness for the prosecution
Jon Grant	...	Witness for the prosecution
Lester Munson	...	Witness for the prosecution
Jim Palmer	...	Witness for the prosecution
Dan Shaughnessy	...	Witness for the prosecution
Hank Aaron	...	Witness for the defense
Bill James	...	Witness for the defense
Bill Lee	...	Witness for the defense
Dave Parker	...	Witness for the defense

Runtime:

USA:240 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Company:

ESPN

Trivia:

Three members of the Boston Men's Baseball League (Jason Grenier, Jose Medina and Jim Holmwood) were on the 12-man jury.

Interesting

I saw this last year when it premiered on ESPN. The setting was Harvard Law School where live for 2 hours, the topic that would be argued was if Pete Rose should be allowed into the baseball hall of fame after betting on baseball. Alan Dershowitz was for prosecution, while Johnnie Cochran defended Pete Rose (who is only present in spirit). Catherine Crier presided over the mock trial. Many baseball legends and such testified and a jury of twelve would rule in the end (Unlike real courtroom cases, the jury did not have to be unanimous).

I found it very interesting and fun. The matter of letting Pete Rose into the hall of fame is touchy subject. First, look at the man's career. He is the all time career hitting champion, and holds many team records for games played, at bats, runs, bases, and walks. With a resume like this, it makes one wonder why he is not in Cooperstown. Then you have, the other side of the coin. Pete Rose admittedly bet on baseball and bet on his team to win. When you break the rules, you lose a lot. Pete Rose broke the rules (and has even recently admitted it), and he is not allowed to be honored. It makes for quite an interesting debate.

I hope ESPN does more mock trials like this since I am sure there are many sports controversies abound. I had a good time and everyone else that was involved looked like they had a good time as well.