Pete Rose To Be Reinstated? Hits King Thinks Bud Selig Will Lift Lifetime Ban on Way Out [VIDEO]

Pete Rose lived in a fantasy world for so long that even now, his logic could seem far-fetched.

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Rose has told USA TODAY Sports that he believes outgoing Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig will lift his lifetime ban before Selig's tenure ends in January.

Rose is scheduled to appear as an honorary manager of the Bridgeport (Conn.) Bluefish of the Independent Atlantic League on Monday night. He'll be in the third-base coach's box, rather than in the dugout, so that fans will be able to see him.

"You think I want to be standing in the third-base box with some 240-pound guy swinging at the plate?'' Rose told USA TODAY Sports. "I don't want this guy hitting a rocket and killing me out there. Where I really want to be is on the bench.

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"That's where I belong. Really, where I belong is back in baseball. I still believe it can happen. ... To be honest with you, I really haven't given up on Bud giving me a second chance."

Rose received a lifetime ban from baseball in 1989 for betting on games while he managed the Cincinnati Reds. For 15 years, Rose continued to deny that he bet on baseball, finally coming clean in 2004.

Selig officially leaves office on Jan. 24, 2015. USA TODAY Sports reported that the only comment he has made on Rose's ban recently has been is, "The only thing I'd say about it is, is that it's a matter under review.''

Rose is basing his optimism partially on his request of MLB to let him participate in the Atlantic League promotion.

"I didn't want to upset them,'' Rose, 73, says, "so I got baseball's blessing. They approved everything.

"I've been a good boy.''

MLB doesn't have any jurisdiction in the Atlantic League, USA TODAY Sports, and really wasn't in a position to deny the request.

Rose in unfazed in his quest.

"Buddies tell me that I've got a good chance to be on the ballot when Bud leaves office,'' Rose said. "But hey, what if the next commissioner is Bud's best friend? What if my best chance is for Bud to reinstate me himself?

"I really believe there's a chance.''

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