**Pete Rose, Baseball Legend and Controversial Figure, Dies at 83**

Pete Rose, the renowned baseball icon known for his record-setting hitting prowess and subsequent fall from grace due to a gambling scandal, has passed away at the age of 83. The news of his death was confirmed by Stephanie Wheatley, a spokesperson for Clark County in Nevada, though the cause of death remains undetermined.

Just a day before his death, Rose was seen in Nashville, Tennessee at the Music City Autograph Show. There, he posed for photos and signed autographs alongside his former teammates from the Big Red Machine, including Dave Concepcion, George Foster, Tony Perez, and Ken Griffey Sr. The event organizers shared a poignant photo of the group, noting, "Amazing that they all got to see each other one last time."

Eduardo Perez, ESPN commentator and son of Tony Perez, a member of the Big Red Machine, recounted learning of Rose's passing during a Braves/Mets doubleheader. He remembered his father's words, "The Hit King has just passed. I was just with him yesterday." Expressing his condolences, Perez mentioned that he reached out to Pete Rose Jr., who found solace in the fact that his father spent his last day with his closest friends.

Johnny Bench, another former teammate, highlighted the emotional significance of the reunion for Rose. Bench shared on the Dan Patrick Show that, while he missed seeing Rose due to scheduling, he had planned to wish him well as there were concerns about Rose's health. "I think it's a sad day for all of us, what he meant for me, what he meant for the Big Red Machine," Bench said.

The organizers of the autograph show expressed their gratitude for Rose's presence at their events, while attendees shared their personal experiences of meeting the baseball legend. One fan recalled, "Got this card signed yesterday and got to shake his hand. He told me to make sure I didn't 'smear that card.'" Another reflected on the bittersweet nature of the reunion, "It's awesome and a blessing that they had this time together just one more time."

Rose's passing marks the end of a complex and storied life in baseball, remembered both for his extraordinary on-field achievements and the controversies that overshadowed his legacy. His impact on the game and the memories he forged with teammates and fans alike will endure.