Sports fans were crushed this week after learning that legendary baseball player Pete Rose had passed away at the age of 83.

Among those mourning the loss of Rose was former President Donald Trump, who immediately called for his induction into the Hall of Fame.

Trump: "Do it now, before his funeral!"

According to Fox News, Trump made his case in a statement posted to X and Truth Social, writing, "The GREAT Pete Rose just died."

The GREAT Pete Rose just died. He was one of the most magnificent baseball players ever to play the game. He paid the price! Major League Baseball should have allowed him into the Hall of Fame many years ago. Do it now, before his funeral! DJT

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 2, 2024

"He was one of the most magnificent baseball players ever to play the game. He paid the price! Major League Baseball should have allowed him into the Hall of Fame many years ago. Do it now, before his funeral!" Trump added.

However, Fox News noted that Rose's entry into the Hall of Fame may prove difficult given his status as a controversial figure.

As the news network pointed out, Rose was involved in a gambling scandal when he was manager of the Cincinnati Reds, and the Baseball Hall of Fame voted in 1991 to exclude him from its membership.

Rose racked up awards throughout his career

Fox News recalled how Rose played 19 of his 24 seasons with the Reds, helping to win three World Series titles for the team.

Known to fans as "Charlie Hustle," Rose holds the Major League Baseball (MLB) record for all-time hits as well as most games played, most at-bats, and most singles.

What's more, Rose also managed to achieve the status of MVP, Rookie of the Year, World Series MVP, and was a 17-time All-Star.

While the MLB has repeatedly denied Rose' requests for reinstatement, the sports league did issue a statement which lamented his death.

Johnny Bench: "I will miss him dearly"

"Major League Baseball extends its deepest condolences to Pete Rose’s family, his friends across the game, and the fans of his hometown of Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Montreal and beyond who admired his greatness, grit and determination on the field of play. May he rest in peace," Fox News quoted it as saying.

Other tributes to Rose appeared on social media, including from fellow player Johnny Bench, who declared, "There will never be another like Pete Rose!"

"We were teammates, business partners and more importantly, in spite of what everyone thought, we were friends. I will miss him dearly," Bench stressed.