LIDS Hosts Pete Rose at College World Series

In the wake of a professional baseball career that spanned from 1963-1989, Pete Rose sits atop the Major League Baseball record book for hits (4,256), games played (3,562), and at-bats (14,053). He won three World Series rings, three batting titles, a MVP, two Gold Gloves, was Rookie of the Year and made 17 All-Star appearances at an unequaled five different positions (2B, LF, RF, 3B and 1B).

As one of the pro game’s best, I wondered if “Charlie Hustle” had been among college baseball’s best and perhaps had played in the College World Series. I was surprised to learn during Rose’s appearance at the 2011 College World Series it was his first-ever trip to Omaha, home of CWS since 1950.

LIDS, conversely, is no stranger to “The Greatest Show on Dirt” having operated trailers and temporary stores at CWS every year for more than a decade. On June 20, 2011, LIDS joined forces with Omaha Baseball Village, located just outside TD Ameritrade Park—the brand new home of CWS—to host Rose for an autograph signing. Rose led off the appearance with a radio interview on Omaha’s ESPN Radio affiliate 1620AM The Zone. (Click here* to view and listen to the interview.)

Adding to the excitement for the hundreds of fans that came out to meet The Hit King was a surprise appearance at the signing by fellow Cincinnati star athlete Bengals WR Chad Ocho Cinco who posted a fun picture later that day on his Twitter.

On behalf of the LIDS family, a huge thanks to Pete for being so generous of your time with LIDS and the fans!

 * The station’s audio was not properly connected for the first few minutes of the interview. The error is corrected at the 9:15 mark.