By Bill Koch and John Erardi
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Pete Rose's first appearance at Great American Ball Park barely caused a ripple of commotion.
Rose, in town to take part in an Anthony Munoz Foundation Fundraiser, purchased four Diamond Seats at $225 apiece for Sunday's game.
He arrived about an hour before the game and went directly to the Diamond Club restaurant, where he ate brunch with other fans.
Rose remains under the lifetime ban from baseball that he accepted in 1989 for activities related to gambling and is not allowed access to the field, clubhouse or press box. That does not, however, keep him from attending a game.
"He's allowed to do anything a fan can do," said John Allen, the Reds' chief operating officer.
Rose waited out the three-hour, five-minute rain delay in the restaurant, then watched a few innings before leaving in the third inning.
He signed several autographs both in the Diamond Club and at his seat, but there was no mention of his presence on the message board and most fans seemed unaware that he was there.
Warren Greene, Rose's business agent, told Reds officials that Rose would not talk to the media while he was at the ballpark. A security guard outside the Diamond Club also said that Rose had told him he would not answer questions from reporters.
Blue Jays 5, Reds 0
Pete Rose attends first Reds game at new park
Return to Reds front page...
