Commissioner Bud Selig's decision to end last week's All-Star Game in a tie after managers ran out of players received support from an unlikely source Wednesday — Pete Rose.

Pete Rose was in town to plug an all-star softball game Sept. 23 at Cinergy Field. (Michael E. Keating photo) | ZOOM |

        Rose said the decision was bad, but it wasn't the commissioner's fault.

        “He was put in an impossible situation, and I'm not the biggest Bud Selig fan,” said the former Reds hitting star and manager. “I blame the managers. The idea that everyone on the roster has to play is awful.

        “I went to 17 All-Star Games, and I didn't play in a couple of them. I didn't get mad.”

        Rose, who is mad about being banned from Major League Baseball because of gambling, was in town Wednesday to talk about an all-star softball game Sept.23 at Cinergy Field.

        The game is being billed as the “Farewell to Riverfront/Cinergy Field” and will be played the day after the Reds' final regular-season home game in the 32-year-old facility.

        The Reds move into Great American Ball Park next year.

        Other Reds greats such as Johnny Bench, Tony Perez and Joe Morgan have agreed to play in the game against a team of baseball all-stars to be led by Mike Schmidt, Ozzie Smith and Steve Garvey.

        Selig's office said they appreciate Rose's kind words.

        “Despite the problem that exists between Pete and the commissioner, it's very fair of Pete to recognize that the commissioner was put in an impossible situation,” spokesman Richard Levin said.

        Levin said the league is working to make sure there isn't a repeat of this year's Midsummer Classic — whether it's expanding the rosters or some other measure.

        He agreed with Rose on another point — that not every player on the rosters needs to play in the game.

        “That just kind of snuck up on us, and Pete's right about that,” Levin said. “Obviously, it's not necessary that every player gets in. That's something that we have to address.

        “The purpose of the game is to win, not to make sure everybody plays.”

        Rose's press conference wasn't a total lovefest. He did blame Selig for the atmosphere that prevailed at the All-Star Game.

        “If you want a competitive game, you can't have celebrities in the dugout,” Rose said. “If you're going to play it like a circus, then don't get (mad) when the game ends in a tie.”

        Rose said his softball game won't end that way.

        “This event is for the fans,” Rose said. “We're going to put on a great show and thank the fans for everything they've done for us.”

        Despite his perceived feud with Bench, Rose said the first number he dialed when trying to arrange the game was No.5.

        “If Bench and Morgan wouldn't come along, why have a game?” Rose asked. “It would be nice if this was the last event at the stadium. I would like to be the last person to walk off the field, with Morgan and Bench by my side.”

        Cinergy farewell tickets on sale July 27

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