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Longtime Cincinnati Reds player Tony Perez shared his sorrow over the passing of Pete Rose, expressing that his former teammate was not himself the day before he passed away at the age of 83. Perez, who spent 16 seasons alongside Rose, saw his friend for the last time during an autograph show in Tennessee just a day before his demise.

In an interview with TMZ Sports, Perez recounted the encounter, noting Rose's deteriorating condition. "It's really hard when it happens," Perez said. "We were just sitting there on Sunday, having some time together, but it wasn't a good time. He was in a wheelchair, not feeling well at all, and he looked unusually pale. It was clear he wasn't himself. He didn't have his usual energy and barely spoke. He only said 'Hello,' which is very unlike the Pete I knew. He couldn't joke around like he used to."

Rose and Perez, two key members of the celebrated "Big Red Machine" teams from 1975 and 1976, had reunited with fellow teammates for the Music City Sports Collectables and Autograph Show in Franklin, Tennessee. Among others present were Dave Concepcion, Ken Griffey Sr., and George Foster. Despite the nostalgic reunion, Perez expressed how the atmosphere was dampened by Rose’s visible decline in health.

Recalling the last meeting six months earlier, Perez noted a striking difference in Rose's condition. "I know he had issues with his heart, but he never wanted to see doctors or take medication. He always thought it was just an extra inning in a game. Unfortunately, it caught up with him," said Perez.

Pete Rose passed away at his Las Vegas home from hypertensive and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as stated by Clark County coroner Melanie Rose. With an enduring legacy in Major League Baseball, Rose holds the record for most career hits at 4,256, a feat achieved over 19 seasons with the Reds. Despite his accomplishments, his gambling on baseball kept him from being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Perez fondly remembered Rose's influence on the team, stating, "He was the guy who led us. You had to play as hard as Pete did—or else you'd look bad. He never stopped, he was a machine, and he kept us all going. Everyone knew Pete as a phenomenal player, but I knew him as a great teammate and an even greater person. One of my best friends. I love him."

Rose’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy and spirit will always be remembered by those who played alongside him.